MACCLESFIELD stars hugged Ethan McLeod’s parents in a “special” moment after their seismic FA Cup shock.
McLeod was a Macclesfield player when he died in a car accident last month aged just 21.
The talented forward, labelled a “diamond” by manager John Rooney, was driving back from a match against Bedford Town when tragedy struck.
And his team-mates did him proud on Saturday by beating Crystal Palace 2-1 in the FA Cup third round, producing arguably the biggest shock in the history of the competition.
Jubilant celebrations on the pitch made way for emotional scenes inside the dressing room as McLeod’s mum and dad went in to congratulate the squad.
Both were seen hugging and chatting with Silkmen stars after a memorable 90 minutes at Moss Rose.
Watching on, TNT Sports pundit Joleon Lescott said: “Respectfully, I don’t want to imagine how they must feel. But this is special.
“This is what it’s about. Enjoying moments like this, but in the right way.
“Inviting them, first and foremost, and keeping them part of the celebrations and the occasion is a touching moment.”
Beside him, Michail Antonio added: “Obviously, it’s going to be difficult for them. Today is also there for Ethan. It’s just amazing.”
McLeod learned his trade in the Wolves academy and became a much-loved member of the Macclesfield squad.
A picture was hung in his spot in the Silkmen dressing room on the day of the Palace match.
And an emotional Isaac Buckley-Ricketts, who scored what turned out to be the winner in the 61st minute, paid a tearful tribute after the final whistle.
He told TNT Sports: “I was thinking about it when the final whistle went, Ethan was here.”
