Chelsea cancel victory parade after Manchester attack
Champions Chelsea cancelled Sunday's Premier League victory parade saying it was "inappropriate" after the Manchester suicide bombing that left 22 dead and over 60 wounded.
Chelsea’s players gather on the pitch with the English Premier League trophy, as they celebrate their league title win at the end of the Premier League football match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge in London on May 21, 2017. Chelsea’s extended victory parade reached a climax with the trophy presentation on May 21, 2017 after being crowned Premier League champions with two games to go. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALL / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. /
“Everyone associated with Chelsea Football Club offers our heartfelt condolences to those affected by Monday’s terror attack in Manchester,” said a statement.
“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.”
Chelsea, who have a chance of achieving a domestic double when they take on Arsenal in the FA Cup final on Saturday, will also donate money to a fund for the victims and their families.
“As a mark of respect our players will wear black armbands at the FA Cup final against Arsenal on Saturday,” read the statement.
The London club said that they had also taken into account other factors including the raising of the security threat by the British government to its highest level of “critical”.
“We strongly believe, in the interests of everyone, this is the correct course of action. We are sure our fans will understand this decision,” Chelsea said.
Among those killed by suicide bomber Salman Abedi at the end of Ariane Grande’s pop concert was a girl aged just eight.
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