Piers Morgan defends pitch access during Arsenal's Premier League trophy lift at Selhurst Park

Piers Morgan has defended his presence on the Selhurst Park pitch during Arsenal’s Premier League title celebrations, after the broadcaster faced a backlash from fans who questioned how a paying supporter gained access to the post-match trophy lift. Arsenal sealed their first league title since 2004 with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, triggering scenes of celebration involving players, staff — and Morgan.

Morgan posted photographs of himself among the players, including a picture alongside Declan Rice, with his sons also present. The images drew immediate criticism, with many supporters arguing that his celebrity profile had secured him access unavailable to ordinary fans.

The 61-year-old pushed back on that characterisation on social media. “To clarify, on March 4, I paid full price (£750 + VAT each) for 4 tickets to Palace’s very nice 2010 Club hospitality suite,” he wrote. “Then we got invited into the boardroom, and offered the chance to go pitch-side for the trophy-lift. We feel very lucky. Thanks @CPFC.”

In a follow-up response to a critic, Morgan also pointed to his record as a supporter. “The tickets I bought were available to anyone and I paid full price,” he said. “And I pay full price for 4 season tickets, go to every Arsenal game when I am in England, and watch every Arsenal game when abroad. That qualify me as a proper fan?”

Morgan’s defence has not fully quieted the debate, partly because his own past comments on Arsenal have resurfaced. He was among those who publicly called for manager Mikel Arteta to be sacked during a difficult spell, a position he has since acknowledged was wrong.

Undeterred, Morgan addressed his critics directly in a separate post from the Selhurst Park pitch: “Memo to all haters: I don’t care.. we’re Champions.”

Arsenal’s season is not yet over. The club face Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest this Saturday in the Champions League final, where they are bidding to win the European Cup for the first time. PSG are the current holders and were also the side that eliminated Arsenal at the same stage last season. Morgan said he was “Very very confident” Arsenal would win.