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Members of the anti-extremist group Football Lads Alliance (FLA) and fanbases from across the country gathered in droves on the bus Park Lane shortly before 1pm on Saturday. The five-lane carriageway was closed off to its usual throng of vehicles as the huge groups of fans formed long channels along the road. Images from the protest show some wearing sports caps and carrying flowered wreaths to represent their local clubs. The protest was organised by FLA founder John Meighan, who said the group hoped to demonstrate concern at the "recent upsurge" of UK terror attacks in the wake of the Manchester and London bombings,.

PA Members of the anti-extremist group Football Lads Alliance protest in London

PA Thousands of protestors descended on Park Lane in London

However the event has been criticised by anti-racism charity Stand Up To Racism, who claimed several speakers at a previous FLA march in June had ties to far-right organisations such as the English Defence League. Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott was among those who added her name to a petition last week, expressing concern at alleged links to the groups. But in his address to the crowd on Saturday, Mr Meighan insisted the crowd was made of "normal people" who wanted to unite against a common cause. He said: "We're against all extremism, no matter what the press say. We're just normal people."

PA The protest was organised by FLA founder John Meighan

PA Football Lads Alliance members blocked off the busy road