UEFA have revealed that they will take “additional security measures” for the Europa League final after last night’s Manchester Arena attack, though they’ve stated there is “no specific intelligence” to suggest that Stockholm’s Friends Arena will be targeted.
The Manchester Arena attack killed 22 people following Ariana Grande’s live show in the venue, with 59 also injured. According to Prime Minister Theresa May “many” children and young people were among the dead, with police and security services stating that they believe they know the identity of the suicide bomber, while a 23-year-old man has also been arrested in South Manchester over the attack. With Manchester United set to take on Ajax in the Europa League final, the fans’ safety in the Stockholm stadium inevitably became a concern, with UEFA addressing these fears on their official site.
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The statement from the football administrative body reads:
“UEFA is shocked by last night’s attack in Manchester. Our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those affected.
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.
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.”
Manchester United released a statement about the attack on their home city this morning. They said: “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.”
Manager Jose Mourinho also offered his condolences to those affected. “We’re all very sad about the tragic events last night; we can’t take out of our minds & hearts the victims & their families”, he said. “We have a job to do & will fly to Sweden to do that job. It’s a pity we cannot fly with the happiness we always have before a big game. I know, even during my short time here, that the people of Manchester will pull together as one.”
The Europa League final between Manchester United and Ajax will take place tomorrow night at 19:45 BST.
