Premier league match abandoned over bomb scare in Old Trafford.


Manchester United's final Premier League game against Bournemouth has been abandoned after a suspect package was found in one of the stands at Old Trafford.
 
Fans being evacuated from the stadium.
The bomb disposal squad was called in and a controlled explosion was carried out within the stadium.

Supporters in both the Stretford End and the Sir Alex Ferguson stand were evacuated around 30 minutes before kickoff, with a delay of at least 45 minutes initially expected.

Television pictures showed police with a sniffer dog walking through the stands, and shortly afterward it was announced that the game had been abandoned.

A statement issued by United read:
"Due to the discovery of a suspect package in the North-West Quadrant of the Old Trafford ground, the match against Bournemouth has been abandoned today on police advice.

"People in the stadium were asked to remain in their seats while the forecourt was cleared of fans already evacuated from the stadium.

"Further announcements will be made as soon as possible." 

The Premier League tweeted to confirm that they would "seek to rearrange the fixture as soon as practically possible."
The statement read:
"The decision to abandon the Manchester United versus AFC Bournemouth match was taken after the police advised of the necessity to deal with a suspect package.

"When it comes to matters of security it is obviously right that Manchester United and the Premier League place the safety of supporters and employees foremost.

"The Premier League will seek to rearrange the fixture as soon as 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." 


Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the bomb disposal squad were at the ground and a controlled explosion had taken place. All television production staff were also evacuated while the players reportedly remained inside the stadium in a suite.

Manchester United needed to beat Bournemouth and hope Manchester City lost at Swansea in order to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League next season. City's game at the Liberty Stadium went ahead as planned.

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