Old Trafford Device Wasn't Viable Say Manchester Police

 

The device which forced the abandonment of Manchester United's Premier League game with Bournemouth wasn't viable, Greater Manchester Police have said. What was supposed to be an important final league match of the season at Old Trafford instead ended with fans being evacuated from the ground before the scheduled 3pm kick-off, with players ushered off the pitch during the warm-up.

A security alert in the stadium's north west quadrant led to spectators in the Stretford End and Sir Alex Ferguson stand being evacuated, before the remaining fans were told to follow as the match had been abandoned due to a security alert. Bomb disposal exerts then carried out a controlled explosion on a suspect package just after 4.30pm.

A statement on Twitter from Greater Manchester Police read: “Bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion at Old Trafford on what is described as (an) incredibly lifelike explosive device. Full assessment now concluded and found device wasn't viable. A full search of the stadium is ongoing. Full update to follow”.

There is no indication yet as to when the game will be played, but the Premier League has said it will be played ''as soon as practically possible". United - who harboured Champions League ambitions before kick-off - are involved in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on Saturday, May 21.
A Premier League statement read: “We will seek to rearrange the fixture as soon as is practically possible and will advise fans accordingly.It is always the last resort to abandon one of our fixtures and while we apologise for the inconvenience caused to fans we are sure, in the circumstances they will appreciate the need to do so”.

It is understood a number of Eddie Howe's squad have booked holidays for Monday, so those plans will have to be altered and it is believed they will remain in the region until a decision is made with regards to a new date for the fixture. Reflecting on the day's events, Sean Bones, vice-chairman of the Manchester United Supporters' Trust, said: “It is obviously a dark day in Premier League history. We have obviously got to give our thanks to the club and the authorities for getting supporters out of the ground safely and home to their families. If it turns out there was a bomb at Old Trafford it is obviously a concern that we have these type of people in our midst and it is going to have a huge effect on security at football matches in the future”.