Manchester goes blue for City title celebrations

Fans crowded into Albert Square to see their heroes

Manchester city centre turned a hue of blue today as thousands of Man City fans crowded the streets and Albert Square to cheer on their valiant heroes.

The fans, many of whom had queued for many hours after a night of partying, were let into Albert Square, where the team appeared on stage, at around 4.30pm.

ITV News' Steve Scott spent the day in Manchester.

Greater Manchester Police closed road throughout the day for the parade and closed off the main square which reached full capacity within an hour of being opened. The route the parade followed was:

  • 6.30pm: Princess Street

  • 6.45pm: Portland Street

  • 7.00pm: Deansgate

  • 7.30pm: St Mary's Gate

  • 7.45pm: Corporation Street

The police also issued an on-street alcohol ban for Manchester City revellers to ensure fans enjoy themselves in a responsible manner.

The Man City manager Roberto Mancini spoke to the fans and recalled the moments after the final whistle of Sunday's game at QPR.

The police estimated 100,000 people turned out for the event:

A whiff of controversy clouded the celebrations after Carlos Tevez was pictured on Sky Sports News holding aloft a banner reading "RIP Fergie", referring to his former boss at rivals Manchester United.

However, Man City quickly issued an apology to Sir Alex after the image was circulated widely on the internet.