Monday November 25, 2024

Chelsea cancel victory parade

Published : 24 May 2017, 22:46

  DF-Xinhua Report
layers of Chelsea celebrate during the awarding ceremony after the English Premier League match between Chelsea and Sunderland at the Stamford Bridge Stadium in London, Britain on May 21, 2017. Chelsea won 5-1. File Photo Xinhua.

Chelsea have cancelled their Premier League victory parade originally scheduled on Sunday following Monday's terror attack in Manchester.

"In light of these tragic events, we feel it is inappropriate to go ahead with the victory parade in London on Sunday," the west London club said in a statement.

Chelsea, who face Arsenal in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday, were due to celebrate their Premier League title on an open-top bus tour.

The suicide bomb attack killed 22 people injured 64 at a concert by Ariana Grande at the Manchester Arena on May 22.

A planned screening of Saturday's final at the Emirates Stadium has also been cancelled, along with any potential Arsenal victory parade.

Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis said: "As always, the safety of our supporters and staff is paramount and we are in close contact with security services.

"After taking their advice we have reluctantly taken the decision to cancel the screening and potential parade. We are sorry for any disappointment this causes but it is in everyone's best interests."