Arsenal cancels planned FA Cup parade after Manchester terror attack

Arsenal FC has cancelled Sunday’s potential FA Cup parade in light of Monday’s terror attack in Manchester.

It comes after Prime Minister Theresa May last night raised the country’s terror threat to critical, meaning an attack is thought to be imminent.

Should the Gunners have won the FA Cup final against Chelsea on Saturday, a parade was planned to start at Emirates Stadium at 11am on Sunday, before moving around Highbury on two open-top buses.

But the club said in a statement this afternoon: “We did not want to place any additional pressure on police and security services at this time and have been working closely with them ahead of making this decision.”

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 potential parade. We are sorry for any disappointment this causes but it is in everyone’s best interests.”

A screening of the final at Emirates Stadium has also been cancelled. Fans will receive a full refund.