Clubs axe plans for victory parades

CHELSEA have cancelled their victory parade this Sunday after seeking security advice in the wake of the Manchester terror attack and following warnings that another incident in the UK couldc be imminent.

The Premier League champions hadh planned to go through west London on an open-top bus but now say it would be inappropriate following two days of talks with thet police.

Chelsea defender gary Cahill admitted this week’s events have had a ‘devastating impact’ on the squad as they prepare to face Arsenal in the FA Cup final.

Both teams will wear black armbands and there will be a large, armed police presence at Wembley on Saturday.

Arsenal have scrapped their plans for a Cup final screening at their Emirates Stadium and a potential victory parade of their own. Chelsea and Arsenal both said they did not want to put extra pressure on emergency services by holding parades.

Chelsea’s players held a minute’s silence before training on Tuesday and continued to prepare for their shot at a domestic Double at their Cobham base yesterday.

Cahill, due to captain Chelsea at Wembley, said: ‘ It’s difficult. There’s an element of trying to live your life in a normal way. Everyone speaks about trying to make sure it doesn’t affect you but it’s impacted everyone in England, especially the families.

‘It’s horrible. We send our best wishes to everyone involved and I’m sure the security will be top drawer at Wembley on Saturday. We’re going to try to enjoy it as much as we can.

‘I try not to worry. I’m sure there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes that we don’t know about, but it’s very difficult to stop absolutely everything. These aren’t normal situations.

‘When you see these things happen around the world it has a huge impact, but when it happens in your own country it’s even more devastating.’