Manchester United’s game against Bournemouth has been canceled after a suspicious package was found at the Old Trafford stadium, the club said Sunday.
Police are investigating the “suspect package” found in the northwest quadrant of the ground,Manchester United announced on Twitter. The investigation had initially delayed kick-off of the final league game of the season, but authorities later advised the team to abandon the match.
Fans inside the Old Trafford stadium are being asked to remain seated as the forecourt is being cleared of people who were already evacuated from the stadium, Manchester United said. The club said it would disclose further details later.
Twitter Explodes Over Underdog English Soccer Champion
The Premiere League apologized to fans in a statement, saying it was the “last resort” to cancel the game. “When it comes to matters of security, it is obviously right that Manchester United and the Premiere League place the safety of supporters and employees foremost,” it said. “The Premiere League will seek to rearrange the fixture as soon as practically possible as will advise fans accordingly. It is always the last resort to abandon one of our fixtures and while we apologize for the inconvenience caused to fans, we are sure, in the circumstances, they will appreciate the need to do so.”