The Metropolitan Police have warned that troublemakers will be arrested at Sunday’s Arsenal trophy parade, as the force prepares to deploy more than 500 officers alongside specialist drone and search teams to manage what is expected to be one of the largest public gatherings in London this year.
Police issue stern warning ahead of Arsenal parade
Commander Stuart Bell, who is leading the Met’s public order operation this weekend, said officers would take a zero-tolerance approach to any disorder. “Anti-social behaviour, violence or any other type of criminality will not be tolerated,” he said. “Officers will take action against anyone attempting to cause disruption or harm.”
The operation is one of the biggest the force has mounted this year, coming at a time when London police are also managing two major demonstrations and the FA Cup Final. Bell emphasised that the vast majority of fans were expected to behave safely and responsibly, but warned that the Met was ready to respond to any incidents. Stewards and barriers will be in place along the parade route, and an increased uniformed presence will be visible.
Crowds are predicted to number at least 500,000, with some estimates suggesting the turnout could swell towards one million – particularly if Arsenal beat Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday’s Champions League final, a result that would deliver a historic double. The club secured the Premier League title on 19 May, ending a 22-year wait, with captain Martin Odegaard lifting the trophy at Selhurst Park after the final league match of the season.
Corbyn urges respect and responsibility
Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn, a lifelong Arsenal supporter, has added his voice to the pre-parade appeals. In a video message, he described the event as a “great party” and urged fans to treat each other with respect. “Make sure there’s no problems and no danger,” he said.
Corbyn also made a direct plea about litter, asking supporters to “put it in the bin or take it home with you” to ease the work of the borough’s cleaning staff. The former Labour leader has already marked Arsenal’s title win in Parliament, submitting an early day motion that named teenage star Max Dowman and captain Odegaard, and praised the contribution of every player, as well as club staff including cleaners and caterers.
Dowman, aged 16, has enjoyed a remarkable season: he became the youngest player to start a Premier League match, the youngest goalscorer in the league’s history, and at 16 years and 139 days the youngest Premier League winner. Manager Mikel Arteta, the first Arsenal boss to win the top flight in 22 years, has built a side anchored by Declan Rice’s midfield control. The women’s team, who will feature on one of the parade buses, are celebrating their own FIFA Women’s Champions Cup victory.
Parade route and logistics
The parade is scheduled for Sunday, 31 May, starting at 2pm, and will follow a 9km loop through Islington. Four open-top buses will set off from Holloway Road and travel along Seven Sisters Road, Blackstock Road, Mount Grove Road, Green Lanes, Petherton Road, Beresford Road, Newington Green Road, Essex Road and Upper Street before returning to the start point.
The buses will move continuously – there will be no trophy lift along the route. The first bus will carry the men’s first team, the second will carry staff, the third the women’s team, and the fourth participants from Arsenal’s community programmes. The grounds surrounding the Emirates Stadium and the road connecting it to Holloway Road will be closed to pedestrians, and the stadium itself, Drayton Park and surrounding roads will be inaccessible throughout the parade.
With preparations beginning on Saturday, Arsenal and the Met are asking supporters not to gather at the Emirates Stadium – particularly in the evening – as this could delay essential safety checks for Sunday. Fans are also being urged to avoid congregating around Hornsey Road, Benwell Road or Drayton Park, where they will not be able to see the parade, and instead to spread out along the route and arrive early. The parade is expected to last around two hours.
