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Man City treble parade chaos sees fans race down street as wild rain storm spoils party
Manchester has been hit by a storm as Pep Guardiola and his City players celebrate their Champions League success.
Manchester City fans greet players during trophy parade
A wild rain storm has struck the Manchester City treble parade with chaotic scenes erupting on the streets. Pep Guardiola and his squad will celebrate the club's maiden Champions League success with fans in Manchester city centre this evening after Saturday's 1-0 win against Inter Milan.
The streets of Deansgate are rammed as City supporters welcome their heroes home after making history this month.
City beat Arsenal in the title race to lift their third successive Premier League, Manchester United in the FA Cup and Inter in the Champions League just a week later.
In doing so, the Cityzens matched their bitter Manchester rivals to become the second English club to complete the treble.
There was an overwhelming sense of jubilance in the city centre as the atmosphere built in anticipation of the City squad making their way through with an open-top bus parade.
But a severe thunderstorm has tried its hardest to dampen the mood, lashing rain down across the Greater Manchester region, leaving celebrating fans drenched.
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������️ It’s quite literally started to rain on #MCFC’s parade in Manchester…
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) June 12, 2023
Typical City, that ������������ pic.twitter.com/KngGaNsDII
I hope the 200,000 City fans are having a great time right now������ pic.twitter.com/BHWxK2TuKc
— MUFC Away (@mufcaway_) June 12, 2023
In the midst of the extreme weather conditions, fans rivalled each other to get the best standing spot possible for when City's players reached the stage.
A video showed a hoard of supporters sprinting down Oxford Street - decorated with blue moons - to get as close to the stage as possible.
City delayed the start of the parade until 7pm due to the relentless rain.
A club statement read: "Due to reports of adverse weather conditions and localised lightning storms, which are expected to reach Manchester city centre shortly, the start of the trophy parade will be delayed until 7pm.
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#MCFC fans running to get as close to the Treble stage as possible ������♂️ pic.twitter.com/XfCHy7nJwd
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) June 12, 2023
"This decision has been taken in the interests of safety by Manchester City Council in conjunction with the Club and other local stakeholders, who have consulted with meteorologists and the Met Office.
"Gates for the stage show on Oxford Street will now open at 18:30. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation."
As the open-top buses started their route in Deansgate, lightning bolts added to the stormy atmosphere.
But City supporters, staff and players won't care as they round off an incredible season with a worthy celebration.
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