Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi was at the centre of the fallout following a stunning FA Cup defeat at non-league Macclesfield FC, as the holders were dumped out by semi-professional opposition at Moss Rose. The Marc Guehi FA Cup confrontation became one of the most talked-about moments of a night that will be remembered as one of the competition’s great shocks.
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi speaks to the travelling fans after his side suffered one of the biggest FA Cup shocks in the competition’s history 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/GvbqaD91zN
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 10, 2026
Marc Guehi FA Cup confrontation after historic upset
The Marc Guehi FA Cup confrontation unfolded shortly after full-time, with Palace having just suffered a 2-1 loss to opponents playing six tiers below them.
Macclesfield, made up largely of semi-professional players, produced a disciplined and determined display to eliminate the reigning champions and write a remarkable chapter in the club’s history.
Palace trailed 2-0 midway through the second half, leaving the travelling supporters stunned.
A late free-kick from Yeremy Pino reduced the deficit and briefly offered hope, but Macclesfield held firm to secure what ranks among the biggest FA Cup upsets ever recorded.
Palace skipper faces travelling supporters
As the final whistle sounded, attention quickly turned to Marc Guehi. The Palace captain walked over to the small group of away supporters who had travelled to Cheshire and witnessed the defeat at close range.
The Marc Guehi FA Cup confrontation took place directly in front of the stand where Palace had conceded their second goal, heightening the emotion of the moment.
Supporters did not disguise their frustration or disappointment, and Guehi spoke directly with several fans.
He was accompanied by members of the Palace backroom staff, who appeared keen to ensure the situation remained calm and respectful as emotions ran high.
Scenes captured on live television
The Marc Guehi FA Cup confrontation was captured during the BBC’s live coverage of the match.
Presenter Mark Chapman described the exchange as “intense” as cameras followed the Palace captain addressing the travelling supporters in the immediate aftermath of the defeat.
The incident underlined the scale of the shock and the sense of disbelief among both players and fans.
Palace had arrived at Moss Rose as clear favourites, but left having been comprehensively outplayed during long spells by their sixth-tier hosts.
Emotional scenes at full-time
There were further emotional moments involving Guehi once the conversations with fans had concluded.
At full-time, the Palace skipper sank to his knees on the pitch and prayed, a striking image that contrasted sharply with memories from earlier in the year.
Back in May, Guehi had been lifting the FA Cup at Wembley, celebrating the first major trophy in Crystal Palace’s history.
This time, he was part of a side left reeling by Macclesfield, known as the Silkmen, who compete in the Conference League North.
Macclesfield’s disciplined display
The Marc Guehi FA Cup confrontation followed a match in which Macclesfield fully deserved their place in the spotlight.
They raced into a two-goal lead against a Palace side featuring established Premier League and international players, showing organisation, commitment and composure throughout.
Although Palace applied late pressure after Pino’s free-kick, Macclesfield defended resolutely to see out the tie. Their victory sent shockwaves through the competition and ensured their place in FA Cup folklore.
Transfer speculation adds to scrutiny
The Marc Guehi FA Cup confrontation came against the backdrop of renewed transfer speculation surrounding the defender.
Guehi has once again been linked with a potential move away from Selhurst Park, with January interest continuing to build.
Despite the uncertainty around his club future, Guehi remains a key figure for both club and country.
He has already captained Palace in European competition in the Conference League and is expected to be a central figure for England at the World Cup this summer.
From Wembley glory to Moss Rose heartbreak
The contrast between Palace’s triumph at Wembley and their exit at Moss Rose could hardly have been starker.
The Marc Guehi FA Cup confrontation symbolised that shift, reflecting the sudden change in fortunes for a side that had recently been celebrating historic success.
For Macclesfield, the night represented a landmark achievement. For Palace, it marked a humbling reminder of the unpredictability of the FA Cup and the fine margins that can define the competition.
A moment that defined the shock
Ultimately, the Marc Guehi FA Cup confrontation was not the cause of Palace’s exit, but it became a defining image of the evening.
It captured the raw emotion of defeat, the accountability of a captain, and the impact of a result that will be remembered long after the season ends.
As Macclesfield celebrated a famous win and Palace reflected on a painful elimination, the scenes involving Guehi underlined just how deeply the FA Cup can affect players and supporters alike.
