Tens of thousands of Arsenal supporters lined the streets of north London as the club celebrated winning their first Premier League title in 22 years with an open-top bus parade.
Up to one million people are thought to have attended the event, with fans travelling from far and wide and filling London buses and tube trains in a sea of red shirts, flags, and flares. Many supporters arrived hours early to secure prime viewing spots along the five-mile route.
The despair of Arsenal losing the Champions League final on penalties to PSG in Budapest hours earlier gave way to raucous celebrations in 23-degree weather with partial cloud cover. The main bus emerged shortly after the planned 2pm start time from red smoke billowing outside Emirates Stadium.
Manager Mikel Arteta, wearing sunglasses, and captain Martin Odegaard posed on top of the bus holding the Premier League trophy between them. Midfielder Declan Rice positioned himself at the front of the top deck, while the club's seven-foot mascot Gunnersaurus also joined the squad for the drive.
The bus moved at a crawling pace so crowd members stacked 20 rows deep behind barriers could see the team. Gabriel, who missed the crucial penalty in the Champions League final, stood at the front wearing a black cap and glasses as horns blared and red flare smoke filled the air.
Parade Buses and Fan Reactions
Four buses made up the procession. Separate vehicles carried the men's squad, coaching staff, the women's team, and community leaders alongside select fans. The women's side previously won the FIFA Champions Cup against Corinthians in February.
An entertainment truck moved ahead of the fleet, featuring an MC, Ezra Collective's Femi Koleoso, and DJ Sammy Virji as players danced on board. The club had not won the league title since the 2003/04 season.
The celebrations contrasted with scenes earlier on Sunday morning in Hungary, where players including Gabriel, David Raya, and Eberechi Eze appeared glum leaving their team hotel in Budapest after the Champions League loss.
Supporter Arron Lapsley, 16, who travelled from Halifax with his father, said, "It’s exciting. It’s a good atmosphere. Everyone’s having a really good time - it’s a great day out. It’s a first time we’ve won a proper trophy for a lot of us." Asked if the parade was overshadowed by the loss to PSG, he added, "I thought it would have done but everyone’s come out so it’s amazing, a good atmosphere."
His father Andy Lapsley, 54, said, "It means a lot to be here but it’s difficult to get tickets to games. We watched the champions league last night, I think we won it, we played really well. Gutting to lose on penalties."
Policing and Event Incidents
More than 500 police officers, a drone team, and specialist search groups managed security along the heavily policed route. Met Police confirmed that nine people were arrested during the title parade.
Commander Stuart Bell, the officer leading the public order operation, said, "We want everyone attending to enjoy the day safely. We expect the vast majority of those attending on Sunday to do so safely and responsibly. However, anti-social behaviour, violence or any other type of criminality will not be tolerated. Officers will take action against anyone attempting to cause disruption or harm."
The London Fire Brigade rescued approximately 75 people from incidents at height during the event and urged fans to refrain from climbing onto rooftops. Firefighters also attended a hotel fire believed to have been caused by a stray flare.
Several disruptive incidents occurred during the event. Footage showed at least a dozen people climbing onto a police van roof to drink, chant, and throw footballs. Other supporters threw punches, made offensive gestures, and prompted officers to raise batons. One man sat on top of an ambulance with blue lights flashing, one constable fell over near Emirates Stadium as police tried to stop fans entering, and another officer was nearly knocked down after being struck with a bottle. Young fans and onlookers were also pictured climbing trees and fixtures for better views.
The celebrations sparked widespread travel chaos on Transport for London services. London Overground's Mildmay Line experienced severe delays, while Holloway Road, Drayton Park, and Essex Road stations were closed or operating on restricted timetables. Victoria line trains did not stop at Highbury & Islington station, and Canonbury allowed commuters to exit only. Separate scenes of violence and destruction were reported across France after PSG's victory on Saturday night.