Thousands of Arsenal fans ignored their disappointment at missing out on European glory on Sunday as the team celebrated its first Premier League triumph since 2004 with a procession through London.
Reams of Arsenal fans lined the streets in the north of Britain’s capital to see their heroes display the Premier League trophy from the upper deck of an open-top bus.
The fans, decked out in the club’s trademark red-and-white colors, chanted, cheered, waved flags, and fired off flares as they celebrated being England’s champions for the first time in 22 years.
Some climbed trees, roofs, and traffic lights to get a sight of Mikel Arteta’s side.
The good-natured celebrations contrasted sharply with scenes of violence in France overnight, when Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory over Arsenal was marred by turmoil.
Hundreds of individuals were arrested around France for conflicts with police, burglaries, and damage.
“I’ve waited a long time (for this),” 67-year-old Steven Turner, wearing a red Arsenal hat and attending the parade with his daughter, told AFP.
“I was a little bit disappointed and sad yesterday. But they played very well. I’m still very happy to be here—very proud of the team,” he added.
Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions on May 19, when second-placed Manchester City drew with Bournemouth.
They had hoped for a double celebration, following their league success with the club’s first Champions League trophy in 140 years.
But the English giants endured misery in Budapest on Saturday, losing on penalties to PSG, who were named European champions for the second season in a row.
Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes both missed penalties in the shootout after the game ended 1-1 after extra time.
Kai Havertz put Arsenal ahead early on, but Ousmane Dembélé equalized for the French side in the second half from the penalty spot.
Arsenal won the Premier League after finishing as runners-up the previous three seasons.
Nick Randall, a store worker, was just nine years old when Arsenal last won England’s top division.
He drove from Manchester, some 200 miles (320 kilometers) away, with his partner and infant to Sunday’s party.
“Overwhelmed” was how he described his feelings.
“We haven’t had a team like this for 15 years. I felt fine yesterday, a bit sad, but we won the Premier League still,” he told AFP.
Nigerian born Williams Ayodeji, travelled from the Scottish capital Edinburgh for the parade.
“I am so happy. It’s been 22 years. I was a baby last time. I love this team. They are part of my life,” he told AFP.
The 36-year-old Uber driver described winning the Premier League as “a good start” that may lead Arsenal to Champions League triumph next season.
The procession began shortly after 2:00 p.m. (1300 GMT) and was scheduled to last two hours, covering a nine-kilometer (5.6-mile) route around the club’s Emirates Stadium in Islington.
The celebration included four buses, one of which carried Arsenal Women, who won the inaugural Women’s Champions Cup in February.
