HEALTH and safety officials today ruled out any last minute homecoming parade for the newly crowned champions of Europe.

Manchester will be the only city in recent memory not to give a civic welcome home to their returning heroes, because police say it would risk public safety.

The club’s chief executive said it was “unfortunate” that his team would not be parading their Champions League trophy on an open-top bus later today.

David Gill said that following discussions with police and Manchester City Council, the club had decided not to hold a victory parade through the streets of Manchester.

Last week a number of Rangers fans rioted in Manchester following their UEFA Cup Final defeat to Zenit St Petersburg.

Portsmouth … celebrate FA Cup win on Sunday

The violence prompted the city of Manchester to abandon plans to put up big screens around the city for last night’s Champions League final.

In Portsmouth last Sunday an estimated 150,000 lined the city’s streets as the FA Cup winners returned home – there was one arrest.

And when Liverpool won the European Cup in 2005 around one million welcomed the team home – again without major incident.

But the long standing British tradition has now fallen foul of considerations for health and safety.

A campaign had been launched after the decision not to hold a parade was made public last Friday – 48 hours after Glasgow Rangers fans went on the rampage following their UEFA Cup Final defeat.

Pleas

Despite widespread criticism and pleas from Manchester United’s army of fans, Greater Manchester Police today confirmed no homecoming parade would take place.

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Thompson said: “It is right and fitting that MUFC’s fans should have the chance to celebrate the club’s success this year in the event of last night’s win, but they should do this in safety.

“The last major homecoming event was in 1999 where there were serious safety issues raised regarding the risks of crowd crush. Manchester United is the biggest football club in the world and we believe any event would attract more people than in 1999.

“Early last week GMP was approached regarding proposals to celebrate Manchester United’s success this season. It is important to point out that no homecoming parade or event has ever been planned for Thursday 22 May 2008.

“Manchester and Trafford councils were involved in these discussions.

“As a result of these outline proposals a review was carried out to assess the viability of an event and it was decided that a parade could not take place today, Thursday 22 May, because of the serious risk to public safety and major disruption to the rest of the community on what is a normal working and shopping day.

“GMP’s primary concern is the safety of the people of Greater Manchester and the fans of the club.

“We have agreed to work towards an event in the summer where those celebrations could take place in safety. We remain committed to work with partners towards a suitable and safe celebration for all fans.”