Arsenal cancel FA Cup final screening at Emirates Stadium due to security threat after Manchester terror attack
Both Arsenal and Chelsea have cancelled plans for bus parades after this Saturday's FA Cup final
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Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal have “reluctantly” cancelled the planned screening of this Saturday’s FA Cup final at the Emirates Stadium due to security concerns in the wake of the Manchester terror attack.
Their FA Cup final opponents, Chelsea, have also confirmed that they have abandoned their planned open-top bus parade in London on Sunday for the same reason, with both Premier League clubs reacting to the increase in nation’s security threat to critical by Prime Minister Theresa May.
A statement released by Arsenal on Wednesday read: “We have reluctantly made the decision to cancel the screening of the Emirates FA Cup final on Saturday, May 27 at Emirates Stadium.
“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 place any additional pressure on police and security services at this time and have been working closely with them ahead of making this decision.”
Arsenal confirmed that they will refund all fans who purchased tickets for the special screening, which had been organised to allowed those who failed to secure one of the club’s 33,000 tickets for the Wembley showcase to watch the game with other supporters.
The club’s chief executive, Ivan Gazidis, explained that the decision was taken “in everyone’s best interests” following the harrowing events that took place at the Manchester Arena on Monday night.
“As always, the safety of our supporters and staff is paramount and we are in close contact with security services,” said Gazidis. “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.”
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