UEFA has expressed its shock and sadness after a bomb killed 22 people in Manchester, but insists there is “no specific intelligence” to suggest Manchester United’s Europa League final against Ajax may be the target of an attack.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed children are among those killed and wounded in the blast at the Manchester Arena on Monday evening that is being treated as a “terrorist incident”.
Manchester City and Manchester United, along with many other sporting clubs and organisations, have expressed their sympathy following the attack at the end of an Ariana Grande concert.
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 death toll increased to 22 on Tuesday morning and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has sent his regards to all those affected.
“I am deeply saddened by the horrible terrorist attack in Manchester last night,” Ceferin said.
“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.”
United are playing in the UEFA Europa League final against Ajax on Wednesday evening in Stockholm, where five people died last month when a hijacked truck was deliberately driven into crowds.
UEFA is shocked by last night's attack in Manchester. Our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those affected.— UEFA (@UEFA) May 23, 2017
From Amsterdam with love to Manchester. Our thoughts are with the victims and the loved ones of those affected.— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) May 23, 2017
A statement from European football’s governing body in the wake of the Manchester attacks read: “There is currently no specific intelligence which might suggest that any of the UEFA 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.
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
“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.”
United have yet to travel out to Sweden and their players have been quick to express their condolences on social media.
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by last nights attack on this beautiful city. We will stand together in this dark hour ❤️— Jesse Lingard (@JesseLingard) May 23, 2017
Can't believe what happened last night, My thoughts go out to all those affected. #PrayForManchester— Daley Blind (@BlindDaley) May 23, 2017
Absolutely shocked to hear the news this morning. Thoughts with all that lost loved ones & prayers for those being treated in hospitals 🙏🏾😢❤— Ashley Young (@youngy18) May 23, 2017
Devastating news this morning. Thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) May 23, 2017
City players past and present also posted their sympathy.
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims. It's a sad day for the great city of Manchester. #Unity— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) May 22, 2017
Shocking events for this great city. My thoughts and prayers are with the families.— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) May 23, 2017
Greater Manchester Police have set up a help centre for anyone needing assistance at Gate 11 of City’s Etihad Stadium.
Anyone who needs help or assistance after last night's incident at Manchester Arena help is available at the Etihad Stadium access Gate 11— G M Police (@gmpolice) May 23, 2017
There is no news yet on how United might pay tribute in the Europa League final, but England are wearing black armbands for the Tuesday’s match against Guinea at the Under-20s World Cup.
Sale Sharks winger Denny Solomona was one of many in the city to offer those caught up in the incident a place to stay using the Twitter hashtag #RoomforManchester.
The 23-year-old posted in the early hours:
If you still haven't got a place and need somewhere to stay for the night please DM me #RoomForManchester— Denny_Solomona (@DennySolomona) May 22, 2017
Solomona was called into England’s squad to face Argentina this summer but is expected to miss out through injury and had returned home from a training camp in Brighton.
England Netball announced it had suspended ticket sales for the Final Four, which is due to be held at Manchester Arena on June 10-11.
“Following the tragic events at Manchester Arena last night, England Netball has chosen to temporarily suspend ticket sales for the Final Four,” a statement said.
“We will release a further update in due course, for now our thoughts and condolences are with those in Manchester.”
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