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Man Utd game abandoned after suspect package found

The Premier League match between Manchester United and Bournemouth on Sunday at Old Trafford was abandoned after a suspect package was found in the ground, United said on their website.

“Due to a suspect package being found in the North West Quadrant, today’s match has been abandoned on police advice,” the club said.

At around 2.40pm — about 20 minutes before the scheduled 3pm kickoff  (10pm Singapore time) — an announcement was made for security personnel to invoke 'operation red code'. 

The Alex Ferguson Stand and the Stretford End of the ground were evacuated . 

Those in the South Stand and East Stand, where the visiting Bournemouth supporters were seated, were unaffected, with United officials confirming police were investigating after a suspect package was found in the North West Quadrant.

A tweet from the Premier League said: "MATCH ABANDONED The match at Old Trafford has been abandoned due to a security alert."

Shortly after 3.15pm people remaining in the ground were informed the game was off.

The club announced: "Due to the discovery of a suspect package in the north-west quadrant of the ground, the match has been abandoned for today on police advice.

"People in the stadium are advised to remain in their seats while the forecourt is cleared of fans evacuated from the stadium. Further announcements will be made as soon as possible."

Sniffer dogs were used to search the area.

Greater Manchester Police said in a statement it was working with staff at the club to investigate a suspicious item found at the stadium.

“We don’t make these decisions lightly and we have done this today to ensure the safety of all those attending,” Assistant Chief Constable John O’Hare said.

“A controlled evacuation of the stadium has now taken place. We are awaiting the imminent arrival of military colleagues to come and support us and establish what exactly we are dealing with.”

Police also tweeted that the Army Bomb Disposal Unit were on the scene to help.


United are still in with a chance of clinching the final Champions League qualifying place depending on Manchester City’s result against Swansea City on Sunday.

They play Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final on Saturday and there has been no announcement on when the game against Bournemouth will be played.

— Reuters, PA Sport

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