Terror attack scars Europa League final
Manchester United’s preparations for today’s Europa League final were plunged into sadness yesterday after a bomb attack at a Manchester pop concert killed 22 people and injured dozens more. United manager Jose Mourinho led his players in a solemn minute’s silence on the club’s Carrington training pitches to the west of Manchester city centre. United were due to fly to Stockholm, scene of the final, later, but the club cancelled their pre-match press conference scheduled to take place at the city’s Friends Arena.
“Due to the tragic events in Manchester last night and the effect that this has had on everyone here at our club and within our city, we have decided to cancel this evening’s pre-match press conference in Stockholm,” United said in a statement. “We are sure that, in the circumstances, you will all understand our position on this matter. “Our thoughts are with the victims at this terribly difficult time.” United’s opponents in the final, Dutch club Ajax, tweeted: “From Amsterdam with love to Manchester. Our thoughts are with the victims and the loved ones of those affected.”
Ajax head coach Peter Bosz was scheduled to hold a pre-match conference at the Friends Arena. The suicide bomb attack in Manchester, which claimed the lives of children and also injured 59 people, struck after a concert by American pop star Ariana Grande at the Manchester Arena. It was the deadliest attack to hit Britain since the July 2005 attack on the London transport network, which left 52 people dead. European governing body UEFA said it had “no specific intelligence” suggesting the Europa League final would be targeted by attacks. It said security arrangements had already been beefed up following last month’s truck attack in the Swedish capital, which claimed five lives and injured around 15 people. UEFA urged fans to arrive at the stadium “as early as possible” on Wednesday as “detailed (security) checks will be made at the entrances”.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: “I am deeply saddened by the horrible terrorist attack in Manchester last night. “It shocks me that so many innocent people lost their lives and I would like to send my condolences to the families of those affected.” England’s Football Association said “robust security measures” would be in place for Saturday’s FA Cup final between Arsenal and Premier League champions Chelsea at London’s Wembley Stadium. It comes just over a month after the team bus of German side Borussia Dortmund was targeted by three roadside bomb blasts prior to a Champions League home game with Monaco.
That attack, which left defender Marc Bartra with a fractured wrist, is believed to have been carried out by a man who hoped to profit from a fall in Dortmund’s share price. United club captain Wayne Rooney expressed his shock on Twitter, writing: “Devastating news this morning. Thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.” Former United player Cristiano Ronaldo published a picture of a British Union Jack flag bearing the word “MANCHESTER” on his social media accounts. “So sad to hear the news from Manchester,” the Real Madrid superstar wrote on Instagram. —AFP