Following up on the bomb scare that has delayed the last game for Manchester United this season, the club has set up an enquiry.
The “urgent” inquiry has been demanded after a dummy bomb used in a security exercise caused the Premier League match against AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford to be postponed.
A controlled explosion was carried out on the device, which police said was accidentally left by a private firm. Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd called for a full inquiry into the “fiasco.” He also told BBC Sport that United “need to apologize very, very seriously” to supporters of both clubs who were at Old Trafford.
Bomb disposal experts were called to the 75,000-seat stadium on Sunday after the replica device was found in a toilet. The Premier League match has been rearranged for Tuesday night. Lloyd called the situation “unacceptable” and demanded an inquiry to discover “how this happened, why it happened and who will be held accountable.”
Managing director Chris Reid said:
“It is a very unfortunate situation and the consequences obviously were that a lot of people were inconvenienced.
“Fortunately, everybody was fine which is the most important thing.”
The Premier League praised the way the incident was dealt with. A statement read:
“We would like to thank Manchester United’s staff, the police and other emergency services for all their efforts today as well as rearranging the match for this coming Tuesday.
“Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth’s management has been extremely helpful in reaching a swift resolution, which is the best possible given today’s events.”
United will refund all tickets and allow ticket holders from both clubs to watch Tuesday’s re-arranged game for free, while Manchester United season ticket holders will also be given a credit.
It is a gesture that is estimated will cost United around £3m.