Dean Henderson: Crystal Palace star pays for £1,000 of drinks at pub for jubilant fans

Dean Henderson is fast becoming a fan favourite at Crystal Palace, not just for his performances on the pitch but for his down-to-earth generosity off it.

After playing a starring role last season’s FA Cup final win over Manchester City – a historic moment that delivered Palace’s first major trophy – Henderson was once again the hero in the Community Shield showdown against Liverpool.

In front of a buzzing crowd at Wembley Stadium, the England international goalkeeper made crucial saves during the penalty shootout, denying both Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott. His heroics helped Oliver Glasner’s side clinch the trophy and kick off the new season in style.

But Henderson’s goodwill didn’t stop there.

Following the game, he made a surprise visit to a local pub where he posed for selfies with fans. In a generous gesture, he reportedly put down a £1,000 tab, inviting Palace supporters to enjoy a few drinks on him.

“Legend. Totally gets this club. Cheers,” one fan wrote on Instagram alongside a selfie with the goalkeeper.

One fan, however, walked away with arguably something even more valuable than a few drinks and a selfie.

After the penalty shootout win, Henderson accidentally left his water bottle by the goalposts. Wrapped around it was a cheat sheet detailing Liverpool’s penalty tendencies – including correctly pointed out the way both Mac Allister and Elliott would go with their saved efforts.

That bottle found its way into the hands of a lucky supporter, giving them a certified piece of Crystal Palace – and Wembley – history.

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