Manchester's two football clubs "united in the wake of the terrorist atrocity which claimed the lives of 22 people on Monday night," according to Sam Morshead of the London DAILY MAIL. ManU and Man City, as well as a number of players at the two clubs, "expressed their condolences to the families and friends of the victims, some of whom were young children." A help center was opened at Man City's Etihad Stadium in the "aftermath." Club flags at Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium are "being flown at half mast," the ManU store and stadium tours are closed on Tuesday, and each club responded with "short statements on social media." ManU posted on its official Twitter account: "We are deeply shocked by last night's terrible events at the Manchester Arena. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected." City's account posted: "It's with great sadness we hear of the terrible events at the Arena. Our hearts go out to all affected and to our city's emergency services."
Man City Manager Pep Guardiola's wife, Cristina Serra, and two of their three daughters were "caught up in the terrorist attack." The family "escaped from the atrocity unhurt," according to reports in Spain. It is understood that the family members of some Man City players "were also at the Ariana Grande concert on Monday night and were unharmed" (
DAILY MAIL, 5/23).
The BELFAST TELEGRAPH reported Northern Ireland athletes "joined both of Manchester's Premier League clubs in extending 'thoughts and prayers' to the victims of the Manchester Arena attack" (
BELFAST TELEGRAPH, 5/23).
