The FA: The safety of fans is of paramount importance and we have robust security measures in place at Wembley Stadium

THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION confirms there will be an enhanced security operation for all upcoming events at Wembley Stadium.

 

“The safety of fans is of paramount importance and we have robust security measures in place at Wembley Stadium,” said a FA statement.

“All supporters attending the upcoming matches at Wembley Stadium – The Emirates FA Cup Final, League Two and Championship Play-Off Finals  - are advised to arrive as early as possible to avoid queues and to support commemorations of the tragic events in Manchester this week.”
 

For Manchester

• A period of silence will be observed prior to kick-off in The Emirates FA Cup Final
• Commemorative wreaths will be laid by The FA President, HRH the Duke of Cambridge and The FA Chairman Greg Clarke
• Arsenal and Chelsea players, as well as the match officials, will wear black armbands

The FA added: “Fans can be assured that all appropriate security measures are in place for the upcoming matches, which includes thorough searches upon entrance to Wembley Stadium, and they are encouraged to arrive as early as possible to avoid any delays in entering the stadium.  

“We strongly advise that all supporters arrive at the stadium no later than one hour prior kick-off to be inside for the start of the match and we encourage spectators to not bring any bags or unnecessary items with them.

“In addition to tributes being paid at Saturday’s FA Cup Final, all four teams and match officials taking part in the EFL Play-Off Finals on Sunday and Monday will wear black armbands and observe a period of silence prior to kick-off.

“On Tuesday night The FA lit the Wembley Arch in England colours to remember the victims and to show support for all those affected by the attack, as well as displaying ‘For Manchester’ on the front of the stadium.

“The FA Cup Final matchday programme was printed prior to this weekend’s matches, so there is no reference to Monday night’s tragic events due to print deadline.

“We thank all supporters for their cooperation and understanding.”

A statement from Stephen McCartney, Editor of www.kentishfootball.co.uk:

Football has the power to bring people together during tragic times and Manchester United claimed the Europa League title by beating Ajax 2-0 in Stockholm tonight, courtesy of Paul Pogba’s deflected first half strike and Henrikh Mkhitaryan's sixth Europa League goal of the campaign, flicked in from Chris Smalling's header following a corner.

Manchester United have now won every major European title and have sealed Champions League qualification next season.

Our thoughts go out to the families and friends of the victims of Monday night’s evil act of terrorism at the Manchester Arena

Killing innocent children, many attending their first concert, watching their idol Ariana Grande, is sickening and evil. Why?

The whole of England is proud of Manchester tonight.

Together we will ensure terrorists and the evil scum that support them and teach them how to carry out barbaric acts - will NEVER WIN!

Visit The Football Association's website: www.thefa.com