Manchester United and Manchester City have expressed shock and sadness after a bomb in the city killed 22 people on Monday night.
Children are among those killed and wounded in the blast at the Manchester Arena which police are treating as a “terrorist incident”.
United, who are travelling to Stockholm ahead of Wednesday’s Europa League final, wrote on Twitter: “We are deeply shocked by last night’s terrible events at the Manchester Arena. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected.”
United’s England midfielder Jesse Lingard added: “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by last night’s attack on this beautiful city. We will stand together in this dark hour.”
United are due to play Ajax at Stockholm’s Friends Arena on Wednesday evening.
European governing body UEFA wrote on Twitter: “UEFA is shocked by last night’s attack in Manchester. Our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those affected.”
Ajax also tweeted, saying: “From Amsterdam with love to Manchester. Our thoughts are with the victims and the loved ones of those affected.”
Police said on Tuesday morning that the death toll had risen to 22, with 59 injured. Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins said there were children among the dead.
Police have set up a help centre for anyone needing assistance at Gate 11 of Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.
“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,” City wrote on Twitter shortly after news of the attack broke.
City’s captain Vincent Kompany wrote: “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.”
A host of other football clubs from across the country have also expressed their support via social media.
Cycling’s Team Sky, whose headquarters are at the city’s Velodrome, wrote: “Manchester is the home of Team Sky in the UK and we are deeply saddened by last night’s events. Our thoughts go out to everyone affected.”
