MIDDLESBROUGH officials last night defended the club's decision to hold a UEFA Cup victory parade on Thursday.

The club said player commitments meant it had no choice, despite protests from fans who say they will not be back for the parade's 6pm start.

The parade will also clash with Alan Shearer's testimonial match at St James' Park, in Newcastle.

More than 700 people have signed an online petition condemning the timing of what is likely to be the biggest celebration in Boro's history and urging Boro bosses to think again.

The club's communications manager Dave Allan admitted that, in an ideal world, the parade would not go ahead on Thursday.

But he added: "Many players have booked to go on what will be well-deserved family holidays on Friday.

"Of course, the likes of Steve McClaren, Mark Viduka, Mark Schwarzer and Stuart Downing and George Boetang will have very little time to squeeze in their holidays before the start of World Cup commitments."

The build-up to the showdown with Spanish club Sevilla continued yesterday with the release of hundreds of red-and-white balloons.

Middlesbrough Town Centre Company organised the mass release to coincide with its Paint The Town Red campaign, which urged companies to decorate their premises in Boro's colours.

* Police and club officials are advising fans travelling to Eindoven to be patient.

Superintendent Steve Swales said: "Supporters will need to be patient when departing Durham Tees Valley and especially post match when leaving Liege, Dusseldorf, Cologne, and Eindhoven."

Boro's safety officer, Terry Tasker, said: "It has taken over 100 years to get here, a few more hours shouldn't spoil the occasion, patience is the key."