Party on as Swans Premier League opener beats riots

Image caption, Swansea fans celebrated through the city after reaching the Premier League following their 4-2 Championship play off final win over Reading

Newly-promoted Swansea City's opening Premier League match will go ahead following rioting in Manchester.

The Premier League decided on Thursday that it is safe for the Swans trip to Manchester City on Monday to take place.

A city centre party marking the club's entry into the top flight is being held in Oxford Street.

Swansea council, the club and Swansea Business Improvement District (BID) are behind the event.

Swansea players and club mascot Cyril the Swan will be in Oxford Street to sign autographs and pose for photos with fans.

Council leader Chris Holley said: "Excitement is reaching fever pitch in Swansea at the moment as the city counts down the days and hours until the match against Manchester City.

Top flight football

"This event will help celebrate everything the Swans have achieved and will benefit city centre traders because of the footfall it will attract."

Swansea BID chief executive Russell Greenslade said: "'This event is great for the city centre and its businesses who are keen to support the Swans at these exciting times as they enter into the Premier League."

Swansea have not played top flight football for 30 years and are the first Welsh side to grace the Premier League since it was launched in 1992.

The Premier League make a decision on whether to postpone this weekend's opening round of matches after rioting in a number of English cities, including Manchester, stretching police resources.

Hundreds of volunteers have been helping to clear up Manchester city centre after thousands of rioters smashed, torched and ransacked shops on Tuesday night.

Police admitted they were "overwhelmed" by the number of rioters. They made 113 arrests.

Swansea City refused to comment ahead of the Premier League's decision.

  • 91热爆's Big Screen in Swansea's Castle Square will show highights from Swansea City's games last season including the play-off against Reading at Wembley on Thursday There will also be shots of the victory parade earlier in the summer.