Manchester United's final match of the season was put on hold. With a big match on the Premier League's final matchday on Sunday scheduled for 11 a.m. ET against Bournemouth, the contest was called off after a suspicious package was found outside of Old Trafford stadium.
MATCH ABANDONED The match at Old Trafford has been abandoned due to a security alert #MUNBOUpic.twitter.com/NALk8mtvsc
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 15, 2016
Fans were evacuated from the stadium, as thousands flooded into the streets amid the security concern. The match was first delayed, but something, which was not yet clear, prompted security officials to have the match called off. It turns out, per the Greater Manchester police, bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion within the stadium. Neil Ashton of The Sun said on the NBC Sports telecast that Bournemouth's coach and players were at one point stuck inside the stadium and weren't cleared to leave.
Latest update: A controlled explosion has just been carried out within the stadium by bomb disposal experts at Old Trafford. More to follow.
— G M Police (@gmpolice) May 15, 2016
Bomb disposal experts carried out controlled explosion at Old Trafford on what is described as incredibly lifelike explosive device...
— G M Police (@gmpolice) May 15, 2016
Full assessment now concluded and found device wasn't viable. A full search of the stadium is ongoing. Full update to follow.
— G M Police (@gmpolice) May 15, 2016
The club sent out the following statement:
Due to the discovery of a suspect package in the North-West Quadrant of the Old Trafford ground, the match against Bournemouth has been abandoned today on police advice.
People in the stadium were asked to remain in their seats while the forecourt was cleared of fans already evacuated from the stadium.
Further announcements will be made as soon as possible.
Kick-off between #MUFC and #AFCB delayed until 3:45 following part-evacuation of Old Trafford. #SkyFootballhttps://t.co/8XfrVSWV81
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 15, 2016
Manchester United was set to play for a chance to qualify for a Champions League spot, battling it out with rival Manchester City for the fourth spot. City drew with Swansea City on Sunday and remain three points ahead of United and with an 18-goal advantage. United's Champions League hopes are all but dissolved.
The Daily Mail is reporting that the match won't be played on Monday, as Bournemouth players and coaches are scheduled to fly back to the southern coast of England tonight.
We'll have more on this as the story develops.