Inside Croydon’s Peter Gillman followed the team from Wembley to SE25 for Sunday’s joyous Palace victory parade.
Even now, it felt surreal. Standing on a packed Whitehorse Lane, we waited for the Crystal Palace victory parade. The morning news had covered parades for Liverpool and Arsenal—but nothing about Palace’s historic FA Cup triumph. It was as if the world hadn’t quite caught up with what had happened in south London.
The parade was scheduled for 12:45, but time crept by until, finally at 1:15pm, a stir up the road signaled its arrival. A red double-decker bus appeared, inching down the street, bearing the Palace squad and that glimmering trophy. Cheers erupted. Chants of “Eagles!” filled the air.
On board, Joel Ward proudly held the cup. Chris Richards and Adam Wharton waved to the crowd. Owner Steve Parish smiled wide, and manager Oliver Glasner, draped in a red Palace flag, looked overjoyed. This was no dream—it was real.
Fans followed the bus to Selhurst Park, where thousands had gathered. Inside, DJ Sister Bliss energized the crowd from a stage before giving way to the team. The celebrations continued with flares, glitter, and nonstop applause.
Dean Henderson was praised for his Wembley heroics. Eberechi Eze’s FA Cup-winning goal was replayed again and again. But it was Jean-Philippe Mateta’s lob against Arsenal that claimed Goal of the Season. Daniel Munoz took home two major player awards—and received a birthday serenade from fans. “My English is not very well,” he said humbly, “but you are fantastic fans.”
Joel Ward, playing his final game the week before, was given a heartfelt send-off. “It’s magical, incredible, amazing,” he told the crowd. Manager Glasner then took the mic, calling the fans “one loyal Palace” and teasing an exciting European adventure ahead.
Finally, Steve Parish, the man who saved the club 15 years ago, addressed the fans. “This has been the best week of my life,” he said. “Let’s do it all again.”
As the fans slowly cleared the pitch, a touching tribute was unveiled by the Holmesdale Fanatics—a massive banner showing brothers Nathan and Dominic Wealleans with their late father at Wembley. The two came onstage, thanking supporters for what they called an unforgettable day.
As the stadium emptied, we stepped onto the pitch. Around us, fans snapped selfies, savoring the moment. A man in an ’80s Palace shirt asked us to take his photo. “I used to be a ballboy here,” he said, kneeling at the same barrier he once stood by. His name was Andrew.
As he walked away, we saw tears on his face.
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