Manchester United boss, Jose Mourinho has refused to address the media prior to the Europa League final following a bomb blast in Manchester.
The Portuguese was due to speak at around 18:00 local time in Stockholm on Tuesday ahead of Manchester United’s game against Ajax at the Friends Arena 24 hours later.
However, United requested the appearance be cancelled and UEFA has agreed in light of the attack which saw 22 people killed and 59 injured following an explosion at the end of an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena on Monday.
The incident is being treated by police as a terror attack, with Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins later confirming that the suspect died at the scene after allegedly detonating an “improvised explosive device”.
A UEFA statement read: “Following last night’s attack in Manchester, UEFA has received and accepted an official request from Manchester United not to hold their pre-match press conference, which was scheduled to take place at the Friends Arena in Stockholm this evening.
“Manchester United’s training session at their own Carrington training ground in Manchester will take place as scheduled at 1200 CET.
“The press conference of Ajax remains scheduled for 1845 CET, followed by an open training session at 1930 CET.”
United’s players held a minute’s silence at training as a mark of respect for the victims while the club also released a statement expressing their shock at events in the city and confirming the club’s megastore, museum, Red Cafe and stadium tours would be closed for the day.
It read: “Everyone at Manchester United is deeply shocked by last night’s terrible events at the Manchester Arena.
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“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.
“Club staff are ready to help the police and other emergency services in any way that may be required at this challenging time for our city.
#WeStandTogether pic.twitter.com/Ro0ohU9PI6
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 23, 2017
“Old Trafford’s Megastore, Museum, Red Cafe and Stadium Tour are all closed to the public today.”
Earlier, UEFA moved to assure fans who plan to attend the match that heightened security measures have long been in place and urged spectators to arrive early to avoid delays outside the stadium.
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