25.05.2017 16:51 h

Celtic call off Lisbon Lions parade in wake of attack

The 'Lisbon Lions' parade due to be held on Sunday to mark the 50th anniversary of Celtic winning the European Cup will not be held, the club announced on Thursday.

Celtic also announced there will be no presenting of the trophy to fans if they beat Aberdeen in Saturday's Cup final to seal the domestic treble after consulting with police in the light of Monday's suicide bombing in Manchester that left 22 dead and dozens wounded.

The Scottish champions had wished to pay homage to the dwindling band of the Celtic team that delivered an extraordinary win over Inter Milan in Lisbon in 1967 becoming the first British side to win European club football's premier competition.

However, Sunday's charity match -- which is a sell out -- involving former players in teams managed by Celtic greats Henrik Larsson and Lubo Moravcik is to go ahead at Celtic's stadium.

"The planned Heroes and Legends bus parade, which was to be staged in advance of this Sunday's Celtic FC Foundation match at Celtic Park, has been cancelled," read the club statement.

"Given the situation and the pressure on police and security resources, we are sure that our supporters will fully understand these measures which have been taken."

The Scottish champions also urged fans not to troop down to the stadium in the event of Celtic defeating Aberdeen in the Cup final.

"In the event of Celtic being fortunate enough to win the Scottish Cup, the club would like to confirm that the team would not be able to 'present' the trophy to supporters back at Celtic Park and there would be no supporters' event there," said the club.

"Therefore, we urge Celtic supporters not to travel to or congregate at Celtic Park following the match."