What is a Guard of Honour in football and is it a compulsory Premier League rule?
MANCHESTER CITY have been crowned this season’s Premier League champions.
Pep Guardiola’s side were declared as winners last night after title rivals Arsenal lost to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Leicester receive a guard of honour from Everton in 2016
What is a Guard of Honour in football?
A Guard of Honour is a display of respect that usually takes place after the team that wins the league is confirmed.
Prior to kick-off or a trophy presentation players from the opposing team will line up on parallel sides applauding the champions as they walk out.
The tradition started way back in 1955 when Manchester United provided a Guard of Honour for Chelsea.
Do clubs have to give a Guard of Honour?
Clubs do NOT have to give a Guard of Honour, but choose to do so to show respect for the new champions.
It is not compulsory, but is instead an agreement between the clubs.
A Guard of Honour is not a rule in the Premier League regulations.
What has Frank Lampard said?
Frank Lampard revealed that his Chelsea side WILL give Man City a Guard of Honour prior to their Premier League clash with Chelsea.
The Blues legend said: “The only inspiration should be what it’s taken City to get where they are. The trophy lift is something to be respectful of. Understanding why they are lifting it is another.
“I remember getting that [a guard of honour] as a player and it was something that was very respectful, so I have no problem with that at all.”
When is Man City vs Chelsea?
Man City have already secured the Premier League title even before their game against Chelsea.
Kick-off is scheduled for 4pm UK time.
Man City’s Etihad Stadium will play host to the title party with a capacity of 53,400 fans.
Pep Guardiola’s side are yet to concede to Chelsea in their three meetings this season, with their most recent match ending 4-0 to the Sky Blues in the FA Cup.
Liverpool themselves formed a guard of honour for Chelsea in 2015
Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
Manchester City vs Chelsea will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
Coverage is set to start at 3.30pm UK time on both channels – 30 minutes before kick-off.
Subscription members of NOW TV can stream the entire action live via the NOW TV website or app.
Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage through our live blog which includes build-up and post-match reaction.
