Manchester United’s Europa League Final versus Ajax will go ahead as scheduled on Wednesday night.
The match will take place in Stockholm and UEFA have released a statement in the wake of the deadly attack in Manchester on Monday night that has taken the lives of 22 people.
The footballing federation says that there is no specific intelligence that suggests the final may be a target of an attack and advises fans to arrive at the stadium as early as possible as detailed checks will be made at the entrance.
The statement from UEFA 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.”
Both teams have taken to Twitter in solidarity, expressing their sadness and shock.
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
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
The match will kick off at 7.45pm on Wednesday night.
