Suspect package forces United vs Bournemouth abandonment

Manchester United’s Premier League match with AFC Bournemouth was abandoned on Sunday after a suspect package was found in the north-west quadrant at Old Trafford.

The Stretford End and Sir Alex Ferguson stand were evacuated prior to the scheduled kick-off time of 1500 GMT and police sniffer dogs were deployed to investigate a security scare.

The match was initially set to be delayed by 45 minutes, with supporters in other sections of the stadium asked to stay in their seats and wait for further announcements, but the Premier League subsequently confirmed that the game had been called off.

A number of supporters outside Old Trafford, who had been told to stay in their vehicles, were also informed of the decision. Both sets of players remained in the dressing-rooms as the initial evacuation took place.

All other Premier League matches kicked off at 1500 BST as expected.

Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins later said via Twitter: “Greater Manchester Police are working with Man Utd to make sure everyone is safely evacuated.

“Gold Commander is ACC John O’Hare, he is working with the team & club to resolve safely.”

Report by OmniSport