British football was honoured at the FA Cup final by the presence of Private Ryan Copping MC, 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment. Private Copping, who received the Military Cross for risking his life to save his mates when under heavy fire in Basra in 2006, carried the FA cup into Wembley Stadium at the start of the match. His presence at such an important occasion was a fitting tribute to all members of Britain's Armed Forces.
"Although there will be a lot of nervous adrenaline on the day, it won't compare to being under fire in Basra - they are two completely different experiences."