Chelsea cancel Premier League title open top bus parade on Sunday over terror fears after Manchester attack
Blues chiefs have axed celebration after 22 people including children were killed at Ariane Grande concert
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CHELSEA have cancelled their Premier League title open top bus parade on Sunday after the Manchester terror attack.
Blues chiefs have axed the celebration after at least 22 people including young children were killed at an Ariane Grande concert on Monday night.
There are fears further large scale attacks could be carried out after Britain's threat level was raised by PM Theresa May to critical last night.
Keep up to date with all the latest news from the Manchester terror attack here
Antonio Conte's side had planned to parade the Premier League trophy through the streets of Fulham and Chelsea.
But after talks with police, the celebration - deemed "inappropriate" by the club - has been cancelled as people are warned to avoid gathering in large groups.
A Chelsea statement said: "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.
It added: "Having consulted with the Metropolitan Police, Hammersmith & Fulham Council and other authorities, we know the emergency services would have been as professional as ever.
"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."
Chelsea had hoped to add the FA Cup to their Prem trophy on the journey, as they play Arsenal in the final on Saturday.
But now both clubs have decided not to celebrate - with the Gunners also cancelling the screening of the final at the Emirates.
A statement read: "We have reluctantly made the decision to cancel the screening of the Emirates FA Cup final on Saturday.
"This follows Tuesday night's announcement by the Prime Minister that the nation's security threat has been placed at critical.
"Should the team win Saturday's FA Cup final at Wembley, we can also confirm that a victory parade will not take place.
"We did not want to play any additional pressure on police and security services at this time and have been working closely with them ahead of making this decision."
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Chief executive Ivan Gazidis added: "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."