Sun shines on joyful City parade

MANCHESTER, England - Even the sun shone for Manchester City as the Premier League champions celebrated their long-awaited and dramatic title win with a euphoric victory parade on Monday.

Manchester City players celebrate with their English Premier League trophy during a victory bus parade through the city of Manchester, northern England May 14, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

Twelve months ago Manchester United's players needed umbrellas after it rained on their celebrations following a record 19th English championship.

But under clear skies, 24 hours after an extraordinary 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers secured their first title for 44 years, Manchester's streets were transformed into a sea of blue as up to 100,000 City supporters lined the pavements.

Not for the first time, however, Carlos Tevez clouded the issue, the controversial City striker holding a banner saying "RIP Fergie", a clear jibe at his former United manager Alex Ferguson which brought a swift apology from his club.

"The creation of the tasteless material is in itself reprehensible and in accepting and brandishing it, Carlos has made a significant error of judgment," a City spokesman was quoted as saying.

"The club wishes to express its sincerest apologies to Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United Football Club for any offence or distress caused."

Tevez also apologised.

"I got carried away in the excitement of the moment and I certainly didn't mean any disrespect to Sir Alex Ferguson, who I admire as a man and a manager," he said.

Many fans on the two-mile route were too young to recall City's last title triumph in 1967-68 when they finished two points clear of United.

 Others, with their team trailing QPR 2-1 in stoppage time, had poured out of the Etihad Stadium believing Roberto Mancini's side had blown the title before late goals by Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero snatched it from United's grasp on goal difference.

"It was an incredible day yesterday but the support we've seen here on the streets today almost matches it," said City goalkeeper Joe Hart.

"The fans are brilliant and that they think so much of me means everything. They know this is my club and the only place I want to be."