Man City stars forced to celebrate title behind security after ‘shameful’ pitch invasion despite players’ pleas
PANDEMONIUM broke out at the Etihad Stadium after Manchester City secured their record fourth-straight Premier League title.
A 3-1 victory over West Ham saw Pep Guardiola‘s troops retain their Prem crown.
Manchester City are Premier League champions
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 19, 2024pic.twitter.com/azNcwmPSYH
And scores of the Etihad faithful STORMED the pitch after the final whistle to celebrate the historic feat.
That was despite player calls for them to stay in their seats.
Those calls fell on deaf ears and streams of sky-blue shirts streamed onto the itch.
The over-the-moon City fans tried their best to embrace and get selfies with their heroes.
Although the pitchside police failed to stop the invasion, they eventually managed to separate the fans and the players.
The Sky Blues stars were forced to get their title celebrations underway under the protection of security and police.
And Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester United star Gary Neville was far from happy with the actions of fans.
He said of the pitch invaders: “They’re not kids by the way, they’re 40-year-old blokes.”
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Neville further criticised the pitch invaders for delaying City players’ celebrations.
He continued: “It’s a shame the players can’t celebrate in the way they’d like to.”
Footie fans around the world weren’t impressed by Neville’s comments, with one writing on X: “What is pathetic is Gary Neville getting angry at it.
“Embarrassing.”
Another said: “Gary Neville getting on his high horse about fans, trying to channel the rage. Very funny.”
And another said: “Gary Neville is a right mardy bugger isn’t he.”
One remarked: “Gary Neville is raging.”
Another chimed in: “Why’s Gary Neville so offended by a pitch invasion?
“[The] guy wishes it was United.”
Fans were urged to return to their seats in order for the trophy presentation to get underway.
And slowly but surely, they started to oblige with the instructions.
City pipped fellow high-flyers Arsenal to their fourth straight Prem title by a mere two points.
The Gunners did their part against Everton to try win their first title in 20 years, running out 2-1 winners over Sean Dyche’s side.
But Guardiola’s side, as they near enough always do, rose to the occasion early doors to ensure the Prem trophy would stay at Eastlands.
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