Breaking: Non-league side Macclesfield knock holders Crystal Palace out of FA Cup in biggest ever upset

Non-league side Macclesfield have knocked out defending champions Crystal Palace in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, January 10. Hosting the Eagles in Macclesfield, the sixth division side stunned Oliver Glasner's men 2-1 to advance to the fourth round.

It is the biggest upset in the FA Cup's history because Crystal Palace are 117 positions above Macclesfield in the English football pyramid. While the Eagles are in the top division, the Premier League, Macclesfield are in the sixth division, the National League North.

Additionally, they have also become the first non-league side to knock out the defending champion since the 1908-09 season of the FA Cup.

English midfielder Paul Dawson broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute, courtesy of an assist by Luke Duffy. In the 61st minute, Isaac Buckley-Ricketts doubled the side's lead with a right-footed strike in the bottom right corner.

While Macclesfield's defense stood strong throughout the match, Crystal Palace's Yeremi Pino did manage to make the scoreline 2-1 with a free-kick in the 90th minute. The set piece was awarded to the Eagles after English striker D'Mani Bughail-Mellor made a foul.

Macclesfield are managed by John Rooney, the younger brother of Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney. After the historical win, the English great got emotional while speaking on the BBC and also congratulated his brother.

He said on BBC One (via SportBible):

"It's incredible to see my younger brother achieve this. He has not long been the manager. I'm so proud of him."

The Silkmen are 14th in the National League North after 22 matches, while Crystal Palace are 13th in the Premier League.