Dean Henderson stops own interview to start chant with Crystal Palace fans

Crystal Palace survived a scare to book their place in the semi-finals of the Conference League.

The FA Cup holders beat Fiorentina 4-2 on aggregate despite losing 2-1 in Italy on Thursday night.

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Their first leg advantage proved to be enough as Palace advanced into the last four of the competition.

There were wild scenes in the stands at the Stadio Artemio Franchi amongst the travelling fans at the final whistle.

They were joined in their celebrations by the Palace players, including goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

The stopper even halted a post-match interview to start a chant for the supporters.

Henderson spoke to TNT Sports in front of the away end at full-time in Florence.

Reflecting on reaching the semi-finals, he admitted: “This is unbelievable for this football club, sensational when you think the FA Cup last season and then to keep going and create a new chapter. It’s phenomenal.”

However, Henderson was soon interrupted by chants of ‘Deano give us a song’ could be heard from the Palace fans.

He quickly obliged as he pulled away from the microphone and shouted up to the supporters.

The 29-year-old then said of the fans: “They have stuck by us in the difficult times this season and hopefully we can go and deliver something really special.”

When asked if Palace can now go on and win the Conference League, Henderson said: “Of course, that’s what the aim is.

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“The togetherness in this group, business end of the season, we come together. We’ve just got to keep pushing on and build momentum.”

Having beaten Fiorentina 3-0 at Selhurst Park last week, Palace already had one foot in the last four before their return leg.

Their lead was then extended further 17 minutes in as Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring for the visitors.

Palace were pegged back before half-time, though, with Albert Gudmundsson equalising from the penalty spot.

A nervy finish appeared on the cards after Cher Ndour grabbed a second for the hosts, cutting Palace’s aggregate lead to two goals.

However, they held on to their advantage to extend their maiden European campaign into May.

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Palace will now face Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk in the semi-finals.

The sides meet in the first leg at Selhurst Park on Thursday, April 30.

Their return tie is currently due to be played In Krakow, Poland, seven days later.

A clash with either Rayo Vallecano or Strasbourg awaits the winner in the final at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig on Wednesday, May 27.