Manchester’s two biggest football clubs both expressed their sympathy to the victims and the families caught up in the suicide attack at Manchester Arena on Monday night.
“The thoughts and prayers of our ownership, Board and everyone at Manchester City are with the people of Manchester and all those affected following the horrifying events of last night’s Manchester Arena attack,” Manchester City said in a statement.
It’s with great sadness we hear of the terrible events at the Arena. Our hearts go out to all affected and to our city’s emergency services.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 23, 2017
“We have offered our full support throughout the night and this morning to the leaders of the City of Manchester itself and to the Emergency Services who are doing so much to support our city in these most challenging of circumstances.
The thoughts and prayers of everyone at MCFC are with those affected following the horrifying events of last night.https://t.co/KzFQY6ZG2K
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 23, 2017
“The Etihad Stadium is being used as a support centre following the tragic events and Greater Manchester Police have advised that anyone needing assistance relating to the attack can access that help at the Etihad Stadium via Gate 11.”
Manchester United, who will play in the Europa League final in Stockholm on Wednesday, said they were shocked by the bomb attack.
We are deeply shocked by last night’s terrible events at the Manchester Arena. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 23, 2017
The Red Devils issued a statement on Tuesday morning: “Everyone at Manchester United is deeply shocked by last night’s terrible events at the Manchester Arena. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected, including our supporters, club staff and members of our community such as the children from our Manchester United Foundation partner schools who were attending the concert at the Arena.
#WeStandTogether pic.twitter.com/Ro0ohU9PI6
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 23, 2017
“Club staff are ready to help the police and other emergency services in any way that may be required at this challenging time for our city. Old Trafford’s Megastore, Museum, Red Cafe and Stadium Tour are all closed to the public today.”
Manager Jose Mourinho was to have spoken to the press on Tuesday but United canceled that press conference. The players held a minute’s silence on the club’s training pitch at Carrington on Tuesday morning. The team were scheduled to fly to Sweden in the afternoon.
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A statement from UEFA, European football’s governing body, said, “There is currently no specific intelligence which might suggest any of the Europa League final activities in Stockholm may be the target of attacks.
“UEFA has been closely working with local authorities and the Swedish FA for many months and the terrorist risk had been taken into account since the very beginning of the project.
“Furthermore, a number of additional security measures were implemented following the attacks in Stockholm last April. Due to the tight security arrangements, UEFA urges fans to arrive at the stadium as early as possible, as detailed checks will be made at the entrances, resulting in potential delays in accessing the stadium.”
The UEFA president, Aleksander Ceferin, said, “I am deeply saddened by the horrible terrorist attack in Manchester. It shocks me so many innocent people lost their lives and I would like to send my condolences to the families of those affected.”