WATCH: “Oil money honouring oil money”- Fans react as Chelsea gives guard of honour to Manchester City after their Premier League win
The Etihad stadium was in a party mood as City played for the first time since being confirmed Premier League champions.
Follow Us
Chelsea players give Manchester City a guard of honour. (Credits: Premier League Productions)
Manchester City received a guard of honour from Chelsea’s players before their Premier League showdown today. The Citizens were confirmed as Premier League champions following Arsenal’s defeat to Nottingham Forest last night.
The timely tradition stretches back to 1955, when Manchester United, City’s neighbours, first presented one, ironically for Chelsea. A squad lines up in parallel sides to applaud the recently crowned champions as they walk out onto the ground.
Interestingly, Premier League clubs are under no need to present a guard of honour, and nothing in the laws requires them to do so. It is viewed as a sign of respect between the two teams, but opposition players are under no obligation to participate if they decline.
This was shown when Manchester City provided a guard of honour for Liverpool in 2020. Bernardo Silva was photographed not clapping and instead holding drinks in both hands as the Reds arrived. While traditionally reserved for the new champions, John Terry and Sir Alex Ferguson have each got their own guard of honour ahead of their final games for Chelsea and Manchester United, respectively.
In case you missed it: Norwich’s Sporting Director takes a big dig at women’s football ahead of 2023 Women’s FIFA World Cup, says it’s of ‘zero interest’
Fans react to Chelsea giving Manchester City a guard of honour
The gesture adds to Chelsea’s humiliating season. Frank Lampard’s side have been disappointing, and sit a lowly 12th in the table. They have absolutely nothing to play for as the season approaches its end. The London club haven’t won any of their 14 Premier League games against sides starting the day above them in the table. In fact, they have lost 10 in total including each of their last three.
Meanwhile, Manchester City seemed to be enjoying the party atmosphere following their third Premier League title victory in three seasons. The Citizens also have both an FA Cup and UEFA Champions League final to come before the end of the season, as they continue their relentless charge towards the treble. They are set to face Inter Milan in the Champions League final after their 5-1 aggregate demolition of Real Madrid.
Related News:
Stay Updated!
Anany Kapoor
(105 Articles Published)