Chelsea canceled their Premier League victory parade, which had been scheduled for Sunday, in light of the bomb attack in Manchester on Monday.
Chelsea announced Wednesday the club’s Premier League victory parade, which had been scheduled for this Sunday, May 28, has been canceled.
The decision comes in response to Monday’s bomb attack at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. The club’s official statement read, in part:
"“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.”"
In the aftermath of Monday’s events British Prime Minister Theresa May raised the national threat level to critical, meaning another attack could be imminent.
Chelsea consulted the Metropolitan Police before making their decision, and concluded it would be unwise to divert any resources away from other security efforts. The parade would likely have attracted thousands of fans, requiring a sizable police presence in west London.
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The Blues, who clinched the Premier League title two weeks ago after beating West Brom at the Hawthorns, must now turn their attention to the FA Cup final. They face Arsenal at Wembley Stadium this Saturday, May 27.
The club were among several whose seasons haven’t yet ended to hold a moment of silence Tuesday morning following the events in Manchester. Wednesday’s statement also noted the Blues will wear black armbands in the Cup final in honor of the victims of the attack, and that the club will donate to a fund supporting those affected.