Footballing world reacts after Manchester attack
Police have confirmed 22 deaths following a blast at an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena, which is being treated as a terror incident.
Tributes have poured in from the football community after a suspected terror attack in Manchester on Monday.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed 22 fatalities and 50 injuries following a blast at an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena, which is being treated as a terrorist incident.
Reports of an explosion were heard just before 22:35 (local time) in Manchester as fans of the American singer fled the arena.
The football world led the tributes as British Prime Minister Theresa May expressed her sympathy and condemned the incident.
Football in mourning
Premier League giants Manchester City - based at the Etihad Stadium - wrote on Twitter: "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."
The thoughts and prayers of everyone at MCFC are with those affected following the horrifying events of last night.https://t.co/KzFQY6ZG2K
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 23, 2017
Old Trafford neighbours United also communicated their distress via Twitter and later issued a statement announcing the closure of the store, cafe and stadium tour as a mark of respect for the victims.
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
United's opponent in tomorrow's Europa League final in Solna Ajax Amsterdam were just one of thousand tweets from the football community expressing their sadness in the aftermath of the attack.
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) May 23, 2017
UEFA is shocked by last night's attack in Manchester. Our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those affected.
— UEFA (@UEFA) May 23, 2017
Devastating news this morning. Thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) May 23, 2017
To target children at a concert is beyond comprehension. Beyond lunacy. Beyond evil. Heart goes out to all those who've lost loved ones.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) May 23, 2017
Thoughts and prayers with those affected and everyone in Manchester! Truly awful! #StayStrongManchester pic.twitter.com/Ve8rS3Sc3N
— Luís Figo (@LuisFigo) May 23, 2017
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims. It's a sad day for the great city of Manchester. #Unity
— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) May 22, 2017
Real Sociedad would like to express our solidarity with the people of Manchester after last night's events at the Manchester Arena
— Real Sociedad 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 (@RealSociedadEN) May 23, 2017