Chelsea cancel bus parade after Manchester terror attack

Premier League champions say celebration would be inappropriate, while Arsenal pull plug on live FA Cup broadcast

Antonio Conte, Chelsea, Premier League trophy
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte kisses the Premier League trophy
(Image credit: Shaun Botterill/Getty)

Chelsea's open-top bus parade on Sunday has been cancelled the impact of the Manchester suicide attack continues to be felt in the sporting world and the UK terror threat is raised to "critical".

The club had planned the street party after winning the Premier League and hoped it would be a double celebration as they play Arsenal in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

But in a statement, they said it would be "inappropriate to go ahead with the victory parade" in the light of events in Manchester.

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There were also concerns about the strain the event would place on the police and other emergency services.

"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," the club said.

"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."

Both Chelsea and Arsenal will wear black armbands at Wembley and the Blues have announced they will be making a donation to the victims and those affected by the atrocity, in which 22 people were killed following an Ariana Grande concert, reports the Daily Telegraph.

Arsenal have also changed their plans. The club "had been set to broadcast the cup final live on a big screen at the Emirates Stadium but the Gunners announced on Wednesday that they have had to 'reluctantly' pull the plug on the event", reports the Daily Mail.

Sporting events around the world will mark the atrocity.

"A minute's silence will be observed before the Europa League final between Manchester United and Ajax in Stockholm on Wednesday and both teams will wear black armbands," reports the BBC.

"The opening ceremony will also be considerably reduced as a mark of respect for the victims.

"A similar tribute was taking place at Headingley in Yorkshire before England's one-day cricket international against South Africa."

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