Dean Henderson gets emotional as he discusses the heartbreaking passing of his late father on TV – as he says ‘he was there with me’ for FA Cup win
Dean Henderson has heartbreakingly opened up on his late father’s passing following Crystal Palace’s memorable FA Cup triumph on Saturday.
Palace upset the odds to beat Manchester City at Wembley to secure a first major trophy of the club’s 120-year history.
After Eberechi Eze’s 16th minute goal, Henderson had a crucial role to play as he made several key saves, including stopping Omar Marmoush’s penalty in dramatic fashion.
Henderson, who has enjoyed a brilliant season for Palace, tragically lost his father, Dougie, ahead of the campaign at the age of 57, 11 days after England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, for which the keeper was an unused substitute.
In the immediate aftermath of Saturday’s game, Henderson had paid tribute to Dougie and he did so again when appearing on Good Morning Britain on Monday.
‘It was obviously a hugely emotional day in that respect,’ Henderson said when asked about his father.
Dean Henderson heartbreakingly opened up on his late father’s passing on GMB on Monday
Henderson played a crucial role in Crystal Palace’s memorable FA Cup triumph on Saturday
Henderson’s father Dougie passed away at the age of 57 shortly before the 2024-25 campaign
‘In the last 24 hours, I’ve probably thought about it quite a lot. But, obviously, when you’re in the moment, you’ve just got to focus on the game.’
Henderson became visibly emotional in the interview and he continued: ‘The afterthought of it really comes when you can’t pick up the phone with him and have a chat with him and tell him what you’ve done.
‘He’d have normally been there in the stadium watching. But listen, it’s incredible and I take good pride knowing that I think he was there with me.’
Meanwhile, speaking in the moments after Palace’s victory at Wembley, Henderson had paid a similarly touching tribute to Dougie.
‘It’s why I left (Man United), it’s what I set out to do. But honestly I lost my dad at the start of the season and I’ll miss him here today.
‘But he was with me every kick of the ball today and I dedicate that win to him.’
Meanwhile, Henderson, who has won two caps for England, was perhaps lucky to stay on the pitch at Wembley given he appeared to handle the ball outside of the area during the first half.
With Erling Haaland bearing down on goal, Henderson pushed the ball away, but VAR ultimately decided that it wasn’t a red card offence so the 28-year-old wasn’t punished.
Henderson said Dougie ‘was there with him’ as he paid a touching tribute to his late father
Henderson was brilliant during Saturday’s game and saved Omar Marmoush’s first half penalty
Henderson had also opened up on his father’s passing in the immediate aftermath of Saturday
City boss Pep Guardiola was left fuming with the decision and was later involved in an angry exchange with the Spaniard at full-time.
However, Henderson opened up on the spat and revealed what went on between the pair.
‘I just wanted to shake his hand,’ he told ITV. ‘But I think he was disappointed with the time wasting.
‘I said, “You got the ten minutes you wanted.” There’s no hard feelings.’
Palace’s victory means they will play in the Europa League next season where they will get their first full proper experience of Europe. The club previously featured in the Intertoto Cup and Anglo-Italian Cup in the past.
They return to action on Tuesday when Oliver Glasner’s side entertain Wolves, before Palace conclude the campaign with a trip to Anfield to take on Premier League champions Liverpool next Sunday.
