Arsenal’s trophy parade is causing major delays on the London Overground

A major London Overground line is operating with severe delays as swarms of Arsenal fans descend on the capital.

The Gunners suffered defeat to PSG last night as the French team emerged victorious on penalties.

But while Arsenal didn’t win the Champion’s League, legions of fans are still flocking to Islington, north London, to watch Arsenal’s Premier League Trophy Parade today.

Kicking off at 2pm, the parade will see the club’s men’s and women’s teams take to the streets around Holloway, Stoke Newington, Seven Sisters and Angel.

Footage taken in the area has shown swathes of fans take to the streets in red shirts.

How is London transport affected?

Fans are already on their way, causing severe delays across the Mildmay Line on the Overground.

Meanwhile a number of tube and train stations will be closed or operating a limited service. 

• Highbury & Islington: the Victoria line will not stop at the station. London Overground services will operate exit only. The station will not be step-free.
• Holloway Road: closed.
• Canonbury: exit only.
• Finsbury Park: queues are expected, particularly after the parade. No Thameslink service through central London to Farringdon due to planned engineering works.
• Caledonian Road: may operate exit only or trains may not stop if it becomes overcrowded.
• Drayton Park: closed.
• Essex Road: closed.

All roads along the parade route, including side roads leading to the main route, will be closed.

The Met had expected a large turnout for today’s celebration, with more than 500 officers deployed to Islington today alongside specialist search and drone teams.

Commander Stuart Bell, leading the Met’s public order operation this weekend, said: ‘The parade is an opportunity for Arsenal supporters to celebrate, and we want everyone attending to enjoy the day safely.

‘There will be a police presence along the route throughout the event, supporting event organisers and stewarding operations. Officers will respond to incidents where necessary.

‘We expect the vast majority of those attending on Sunday to do so safely and responsibly.

‘However, anti-social behaviour, violence or any other type of criminality will not be tolerated. Officers will take action against anyone attempting to cause disruption or harm.’

What’s the big deal anyway?

Arsenal didn’t win yesterday’s Champions League final, so why all the fanfare?

Well, despite the defeat, the club still has to celebrate their Premier League victory – the first in 22 years.

The popular women’s team also won the Fifa Women’s Champions Cup earlier this season, so Arsenal have a few things to celebrate today.

Where will the parade go?

The parade will follow a loop roughly five miles long beginning and ending at the Emirates stadium.

From there, the buses will turn onto Holloway Road from Drayton Park, continuing east along Seven Sisters Road before heading down Blackstock Road, Mount Grove Road and Green Lanes.

Continuing south along Petherton Road, Beresford Road and Newington Green Road, the route then heads south along Essex Road before making a turn and heading north at Angel Tube station onto Upper Street.

Once the parade hits towards Highbury and Islington station the buses then make their way back onto Holloway Road before returning to the stadium.

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