FINAL Tonight, just play
South Africa wary of terror threat
IN STOCKHOLM AT THE same time as thousands were gathering on the streets of Manchester for last night’s vigil, a sombre group of men wandered in silence across the impossibly green grass of the Friends Arena here in Stockholm.
Contractually obliged to put in a public appearance at the venue 24 hours ahead of the Europa League final, it was clear they did not want to be there but were nevertheless following the hoarse sentiment of their manager.
“We have a job to do and will fly to Sweden to do that job,” Jose Mourinho had said.
The Portuguese led them on to the pitch; as soon as was appropriate, he led them off again. All the time, a giant screen above their heads showed live images of Ajax manager Peter Bosz conducting his press conference as usual.
Mourinho and the United players could not hear the words but they found sympathetic ears all across the globe.
“What happened yesterday evening in Manchester is something we all feel in Ajax and on behalf of all of us at Ajax we express our sympathies with the victims that fell,” Bosz said. “The feeling that prevails is the final does not have the glow it should have.
“It should be a football feast but, because of the events in Manchester, we are affected. It is horrible. My sympathies are heartfelt.”
And yet just as football united in the aftermath of the Paris bombings behind the France team who bravely played at Wembley three nights later, this final is an important and helpful part of the process.
Ajax held a private minute’s silence ahead of training. Among them, midfielder Lasse SOUTH AFRICA’S cricket manager says the deadly attack in Manchester left his side with “genuine concerns” about their tour of England but insists sport must not be held to ransom by terrorists.
The first match of the Royal London One-Day series takes place at Headingley today and the Proteas are set to remain until early August – after the Champions Trophy, which starts next week, and a three-match Test series.
Manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee said that squad members had been shaken by the Schone was no doubt reflecting on the horrific randomness of these despicable acts. Two weeks earlier, Ariana Grande had performed in Amsterdam and his wife and child had been in the audience.
Tonight, a curtailed prematch ceremony and collective period of reflection before kick-off will indeed make it a very different atmosphere to the one envisaged. Old Trafford kept its club shop doors closed horrifying events at the Manchester Arena but said the ECB’s security briefings – led by respected adviser Reg Dickason – were acceptable at present, with additional policing promised at grounds and hotels for the remainder of the trip.
Moosajee, right, said: “As you can understand, we have some genuine concerns. The players are uneasy...there was a lot of chatter at the breakfast table.
“I am happy to say we’ve had constant communications from the ECB and their security yesterday as a mark of respect and tours of the ground were cancelled. As early as yesterday morning, the club’s executive vice-chairman Edward Woodward had decided a party planned for United staff in Manchester could not now go ahead.
“Manchester is a resilient city and I’m sure that its people will defy the wishes of those who have perpetrated this awful crime and demonstrate what a manager. There have been guarantees put in place that security arrangements will be supplemented, starting today. We’re told there will be more visible police at the stadium, at practice sessions as well as the hotels.”
Security at major sporting events around the country will be stepped up after the suicide bombing in Manchester.
With Wembley staging the FA Cup final and two play-off finals over the bank holiday magnificent place this is,” he wrote in an internal email to staff. “The club provides counselling and support services in times of crisis; please do not be afraid to ask if you have been affected.”
The atrocity on Monday night has inevitably led to increased levels of security.
“There is currently no specific intelligence which might suggest that any of the activities in Stockholm may be the target weekend, and Twickenham hosting the finale of the Aviva Premiership season, fans can expect to see more armed police and face longer checks. Manchester is scheduled to host three days of sport this weekend, starting on Friday with the Great CityGames and ending with Sunday’s Great Manchester Run. England Netball have suspended ticket sales for the Final Four, which is due to be held at Manchester Arena on June 10-11.