FAN-DEMONIUM
Man City stars forced to celebrate title behind security after ‘shameful’ pitch invasion despite players’ pleas
Players begged fans to stay in their seats
PANDEMONIUM broke out at the Etihad Stadium after Manchester City secured a record fourth-straight Premier League title.
A 3-1 win over West Ham saw Pep Guardiola's troops retain their Prem crown.
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And scores of the Etihad faithful STORMED the pitch after the final whistle to celebrate the historic feat.
That was despite calls from the likes of Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland for them to stay in their seats as they geared up to run riot.
Those calls, however, fell on deaf ears and a slewmar of sky-blue shirts streamed onto the pitch.
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 stadium security and coppers.
And Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester United star Gary Neville was far from happy with the scenes.
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 invaders for delaying City players' celebrations.
He continued: "It's a shame the players can't celebrate in the way they'd like to."
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Footie fans around the world, however, weren't impressed with 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."
Shortly after the invasion began, fans were urged to return to their seats in order for the trophy presentation to get underway.
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A message of "please leave the pitch immediately" was displayed on the big screens around the stadium.
And slowly but surely, the fans started to oblige with the instructions.
City pipped fellow high-flyers Arsenal to the title by a mere two points.
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The Gunners did their part against Everton to try to 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.