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FOOTBALL FACTS

Palace fans honoured by emotional tifo tribute at Wembley

By Martin Graham

 

Crystal Palace supporters made history during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City on Saturday, unveiling a powerful tribute that resonated with many in the crowd. Among those most affected were brothers Nathan and Dominic Wealleans, who were stunned to see a familiar image on the banner.

A moment frozen in time

As the giant tifo was raised inside Wembley Stadium, the brothers stood motionless. Featured prominently on the display was a photo of the two siblings alongside their late father, Mark, taken in 2011. The image had captured a moment of pure joy as the trio celebrated a stunning long-range goal from Darren Ambrose during Palace’s League Cup quarter-final triumph against Manchester United.

The photo has become a cherished symbol among the club’s supporters, particularly following the passing of their father in 2017 due to cancer. For the Wealleans family, it represents more than just a football memory – it’s a connection to a beloved figure lost too soon.

An unexpected tribute

Dominic expressed disbelief at seeing the image during Palace’s 1-0 win, which delivered the club’s first major silverware. He said the sight of the tifo filled him with a sense of destiny. “We just froze,” he explained. “It’s not about us – it’s for the whole club – but what it meant to us personally gave me a feeling that today was going to be different.”

The moment sparked a wave of emotion in the stands, with fellow fans offering gestures of solidarity. Hugs, handshakes, and high-fives poured in as the brothers were embraced by their fellow supporters.

Nathan admitted they were aware of a tifo being prepared for the occasion but had no idea it would include their family’s photograph. “I thought it would be about a player who’s retiring,” he said. “Then someone told us, and we broke down when we saw it.”

The tribute served as a reminder of those who have supported the club through the years but were not there to witness this victory. Nathan added, “It meant everything. It’s not just about my dad – it’s about every supporter who loved Palace and never got to see this. Now they’re all part of the journey.”

Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer