Hundreds of thousands line streets in FA Cup parade
Sunday, 18 May 2008 20:59
Harry Redknapp says guiding Portsmouth to survival two seasons ago was a bigger achievement than the FA Cup final triumph
Nearly a quarter of a million people are parading the streets in
Portsmouth to celebrate the team's FA Cup victory.
Harry Redknapp's men clinched their first FA Cup triumph since 1939 after beating Cardiff City 1-0 at Wembley yesterday.
Redknapp was expected to be given the freedom of the Hampshire city after the parade.
A parade of three open-top buses, decked in blue and white, set off from Fratton Bridge at 15:00 BMT carrying the victorious squad.
The parade finished on Southsea Common, close to the big screen where about 60,000 Pompey fans watched yesterday's final.
Portsmouth’s new lord mayor Richard Jensen welcomed Redknapp and the players on to the stage, giving the fans to catch a glimpse of their heroes and the coveted trophy.
Hampshire police arrested ten people during the parade for minor public order offences.
Drivers were warned to avoid central Portsmouth and expect delays on the M275 into the city.
South West Trains has advised that trains will only operate as far as Portsmouth Southsea or Fratton. Buses are replacing trains due to planned engineering works between Portsmouth Harbour and Portsmouth Southsea.
City council leader Gerald Vernon-Jackson said Sunday's parade was a wonderful occasion for the city.
"I think it'll be a tremendous day, a tremendous parade through the city and great to welcome them down on Southsea Common."