It's definitely a very messy job for someone at home doing it under a car, I experienced something similar. Mechanics usually have something to dump the gas into once on a lift, it's easier for them. By the way, if you ever pull the fuel pump off and have another one (say you are replacing it), if you put that new fuel pump on that line it will stop the gas.

For your car not running, note that the fuel filter has to be installed in the proper direction (orientation.). Unlike many other filters, the fuel filter needs to be installed in the correct direction of flow for the gas.