Chelsea have cancelled this weekend’s planned victory parade, designed to celebrate their Premier League title success, after taking security advice in the wake of Monday’s terror attack in Manchester.

The champions, who will wear black armbands when confronting Arsenal in Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley, had intended to conduct an open top bus parade of south-west London on Sunday. But, with the government having raised the terror threat level to “critical” after the attack at the Manchester Arena, they engaged in lengthy consultations with the Metropolitan Police, local councils and other authorities, and have since opted to cancel the event.

“Everyone associated with Chelsea Football Club offers our heartfelt condolences to those affected by Monday’s terror attack in Manchester,” said a spokesman. “Our thoughts go out to all the victims, and their families and friends. In light of these tragic events, we feel it is inappropriate to go ahead with the victory parade in London on Sunday.

“Given the heightened security threat announced by the government, and recognising that this is a developing situation, we have given this careful consideration. We strongly believe, in the interests of everyone, this is the correct course of action. We are sure our fans will understand this decision.

“Having consulted with the Metropolitan Police, Hammersmith & Fulham Council and other authorities, we know the emergency services would have been as professional as ever, but we would not want in any way to divert important resources by holding an additional, non-ticketed event on the streets of London.

“Furthermore, as a mark of respect, our players will wear black armbands at the FA Cup Final against Arsenal on Saturday. Chelsea Football Club will also make a donation to a fund supporting the victims of this horrific attack.”

The club’s player of the year event, a ticketed event scheduled for Sunday evening, will still take place as it is confined to a single area of Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal have cancelled plans to screen the final at the Emirates Stadium and will not hold a victory parade.

The club said the raised security threat meant they had reluctantly decided to cancel the screening and said of a parade: “We did not want to place any additional pressure on police and security services at this time and have been working closely with them ahead of making this decision.”

source: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/may/24/chelsea-call-off-premier-league-victory-parade-after-manchester-arena-attack

Cc: Lalasticlala

Sad development but it all for the best.