Dad dancer Alan Pardew: ‘I enjoyed my moment’

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew praised his players for handling defeat with dignity after their loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup final.

The valiant Eagles were beaten 2-1 in extra time after a stunning volley from United substitute Jesse Lingard with 110 minutes on the clock at Wembley.

Palace had taken a late lead through Jason Puncheon after 78 minutes but Juan Mata forced extra time and Pardew’s men could not find a winner despite the sending off of United’s Chris Smalling.

Pardew said: “I thought Crystal Palace Football Club handled themselves very well today and I thought our fans were terrific. They showed the world that when they fill any stadium they will not get outsung.

“All the players conducted themselves well and we are trying to take the defeat with dignity. We wish Man United well in the Europa League. We go home and lick our wounds.”

Pardew’s involvement in this final is unlikely to be forgotten after he danced on the touchline following Puncheon’s superb strike. Clips of the Pardew jig quickly went viral on the internet via social media.

He said: “I enjoyed that moment. In a cup final, as a manager, it is difficult to enjoy moments. So, if you’ll forgive me my dance, it’s just because I enjoyed it.”