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City to parade Premier League trophy on Monday - IF final results go their way
Manchester City will parade the Premier League trophy through the city centre streets on Monday afternoon - IF the team get the result they need this weekend.
Plans are in place for a procession just 24 hours after the end of the final match of the season at the Etihad on Sunday.
The MEN understands talks have taken place between police and council officials for captain Vincent Kompany to show off the trophy in Albert Square, should the Blues win the title as expected on Sunday.
With just one game left, City are clear favourites as they are two points clear of rivals Liverpool with a superior goal difference. It means the Blues will lift the trophy even if they only manage a draw in their last game.
Officials at Manchester City, Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council all declined to comment when the MEN called today.
But police insiders have confirmed ‘contingency plans’ are in place for Monday following talks with senior figures at City.
“These things can’t just happen at the last minute,” said one officer.
City are scheduled to play a friendly in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, so there is only a short time window for a victory parade to be held next week.
It is expected to follow a similar route to the parade after the club’s last league title in 2012 - which saw the procession start with the players addressing fans in Albert Square and then travelling down Deansgate and onto Corporation Street.
Understandably, City officials are anxious that they don’t tempt fate by discussing celebration plans for winning the trophy before it is in Kompany’s hands.
Officials in Liverpool have not been so wary of putting a hex on their team, however.
The city’s council has already unveiled the parade route should the title go to Merseyside, and even offered tips for anyone attending the event.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson, said: “We know many people are superstitious and don’t want to think about a victory parade until the title is in the bag, but unfortunately that isn’t an option for those involved in organising an event of this scale.
“Whether we have a parade depends on the results on Sunday, but due to the number of roads being closed and the impact this has on businesses and residents, it makes sense that we are as prepared as we can be. We need the information to be made public in order to cause as little disruption as possible.
“There is of course the safety element as well – we will undoubtedly see massive numbers of people head into the city to mark this fantastic achievement and we want people to be able to celebrate safely the success of their team.
“If you are going to watch the parade, please make sure you make use of the full length of the route, so that the team can be cheered on for the full length of the parade.
“We always want both our teams to do well in the league, and whatever the outcome, we’ll be massively proud of their achievements this season.”