TENS of thousands of football fans lined the streets in Birmingham city centre and the nearby Jewellery Quarter to celebrate a major club’s Europa League win.
An open top bus parade took place yesterday (Thursday, May 21) to celebrate Aston Villa’s 3-0 victory over SC Freiburg in Istanbul.
Aston Villa fans gathered on balconies, roofs of bus stops, and on the terraces of the Library of Birmingham to celebrate the club’s first European trophy in 44 years.
Fans packed into Centenary Square to hear club manager Unai Emery express his pride in Villa supporters, as defender Tyrone Mings said the players had had “one hell of a party” on Wednesday night (May 20) and into Thursday.
Mings told thousands of cheering fans: “We’ve celebrated very hard. I’m sure you guys have too.
“We are so grateful for all of you showing up today. I’m drunk. I’m sure some of you are drunk. I hope that continues long into the night.”
The parade, featuring three buses and celebrating Villa’s first major trophy since 1996, covered a 4.5km route and was intended to create a unique experience for fans and players alike.
Birmingham City Council implemented temporary parking suspensions and numerous road closures in the city centre to ensure the safety of those attending the event.
As well as road closures, bus services were diverted for several hours and tram services along Broad Street were also suspended to allow fans to gather safely.
Scotland midfielder and Villa captain John McGinn told fans after the buses came to a halt in Centenary Square: “First of all, thank you for your support tonight.
“But thank you for the last seven or eight years – you have been through so much pain, so much disappointment.
“But these group of players have provided so much satisfaction over the last few years.
“We are going to enjoy tonight.
“But let’s keep going next season – you never know what can happen.”
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