Arsenal have cancelled both the screening of the FA Cup Final at the Emirates on Saturday May 27 and have confirmed that no victory parade will take place should they win the trophy.
In light of the Prime Minister’s announcement on Tuesday that the United Kingdom’s security threat had been placed at critical the Gunners confirmed that planned activities around the Cup Final would not take place.
Theresa May’s decision came after the terrorist attack on Manchester Arena on Monday night, in which 22 people were killed and 59 injured as they left an Ariana Grande concert.
The club confirmed in a statement that they “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.”
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Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis said: “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.”
Chelsea have confirmed that their planned parade on Sunday, which would have seen them celebrate their league title, has also been cancelled.
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Supporters from both sides have been urged to arrive as early as possible with robust security measures to be put in place ahead of the 5:30pm kick-off.
Military personnel will be in place at the Final, the first of three major sporting events at the stadium in a week where Twickenham will also host the Aviva Premiership Final and England's match against the Barbarians.