Liverpool give FA Cup winners Crystal Palace guard of honour in unprecedented move

Premier League champions Liverpool gave newly-crowned FA Cup winners Crystal Palace a guard of honour on the final day of the season at Anfield.

Having received the gesture from , and in their three matches since becoming champions, the Reds turned the tables and waited for Sunday's opponents Palace after passing through the visitors' show of appreciation.

Captain Virgil van Dijk led his players to one side, with central defensive partner Ibrahima Konate lining up on the other as Palace skipper Dean Henderson took his players through to huge cheers from all four corners of Anfield.

Palace won the last Saturday by beating 1-0 at Wembley, where Eberechi Eze scored the only goal and goalkeeper Henderson turned in an inspired display, including saving a penalty from Omar Marmoush.

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Speculation had been rife that would perform the gesture for Palace before the match, and the Reds' generosity would extend to the ninth minute when slack defending allowed Ismaila Sarr in to open the scoring for Palace, who could secure a top half finish with a win.

Former Liverpool managers and Rafa Benitez are in attendance at Anfield for the clash, as well as Benitez's former Reds captain on the 20th anniversary of the pair winning the together in Istanbul.

There was a party atmosphere at Anfield ahead of the clash with Palace, after which the Reds will lift the trophy, and celebrate their 20th top-flight title.

Writing in his programme notes before the game, Reds boss said: "Lifting the Premier League trophy in front of fans is something that so many people have longed for and this means it is a privilege for all of us who are fortunate enough to be involved, no matter which role we are in.

For me as head coach, my overriding feeling is pride but not for myself – for the players, the staff, the supporters, the club and the city.

The hard work and effort, the commitment and the devotion that has been put in not just this season but also in the years before is why we are in the position to make today every bit as special as we all could wish for.

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