Manchester concert attack: Wayne Rooney leads sport figures' support for families affected by explosion

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has led the wave of support by leading sport figures for those affected by Monday night’s terrorist attack in Manchester, which left at least 22 people dead.

Rooney tweeted: “Devastating news this morning. Thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.”

“Can’t believe what happened last night,” defender Daley Blind said. “My thoughts go out to all those affected. #PrayForManchester”

United’s Ashley Young posted: “Absolutely shocked to hear the news this morning. Thoughts with all that lost loved ones & prayers for those being treated in hospitals.”

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Earlier winger Jesse Lingard said: “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by last nights attack on this beautiful city. We will stand together in this dark hour ❤️”

City players past and present also posted their sympathy.

“Shocking events for this great city,” Raheem Sterling said. “My thoughts and prayers are with the families.”

City captain Vincent Kompany posted: “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”

Greater Manchester Police have set up a help centre for anyone needing assistance at Gate 11 of City’s Etihad Stadium.

There is no news yet on how United might pay tribute in the Europa League final, but England are wearing black armbands for the Tuesday’s match against Guinea at the Under-20s World Cup.

Sale Sharks winger Denny Solomona was one of many in the city to offer those caught up in the incident a place to stay using the Twitter hashtag #RoomforManchester.

The 23-year-old posted in the early hours: “If you still haven’t got a place and need somewhere to stay for the night please DM me #RoomForManchester.”

Solomona was called into England’s squad to face Argentina this summer but is expected to miss out through injury and had returned home from a training camp in Brighton.

England Netball announced it had suspended ticket sales for the Final Four, which is due to be held at Manchester Arena on June 10-11.

“Following the tragic events at Manchester Arena last night, England Netball has chosen to temporarily suspend ticket sales for the Final Four,” a statement said.

“We will release a further update in due course, for now our thoughts and condolences are with those in Manchester.”

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Former England captain David Beckham, who left Manchester United in 2003, expressed his sadness following the attack.

The 42-year-old said on Instagram: “Heartbreaking news from Manchester. As a father & a human what has happened truly saddens me. My thoughts are with all of those that have been affected by this tragedy…”

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure and Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton also posted messages of support on Twitter.

Toure said: “Such terrible news in Manchester. Thoughts and prayers with all those affected.”

Hamilton posted: “What is happening to this world when you’re not even safe at a concert. A sad day, my prayers are with you Manchester #prayformanchester.”

A post on the @PepTeam account, which tweets on behalf of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, read: ” Shocked. Can’t believe what happened last night. My deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims. #Ilovemanchester”.

City said in a statement: “The thoughts and prayers of our ownership, board and everyone at Manchester City are with the people of Manchester and all those affected following the horrifying events of last night’s Manchester Arena attack.

“We have offered our full support throughout the night and this morning to the leaders of the city of Manchester itself and to the emergency services who are doing so much to support our city in these most challenging of circumstances.”

The International Cricket Council said in a statement: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the horrific attack in Manchester. The ICC and ECB place safety and security at the ICC Champions Trophy and ICC Women’s World Cup this summer as the highest priority.

“We operate on advice from our tournament security directorate – in conjunction with the ECB and relevant authorities – to ensure that we have a robust safety and security plan for both tournaments. We will continue to work with authorities over the coming hours and days and review our security in line with the threat levels.

“The security situation has been very much front and centre of our preparations and we constantly review our procedures to guarantee they are as effective as possible to keep everyone safe.

“We do not disclose our security details as a matter of policy.”

There was a minute’s silence before the start of Tuesday’s stage of the Giro d’Italia to remember victims of the attack, as well as former MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden and triathlete Julia Viellehner.

Both British Cycling and Team Sky’s headquarters are at Manchester’s Velodrome and they posted their own messages.

“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,” Team Sky wrote.

British Cycling added: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by last night’s events. Manchester is our home and we stand with the people of Manchester.”

England Women’s cricketer Danielle Wyatt tweeted to confirm she had been at the gig and had not been harmed.

The 26-year-old, who is part of England’s World Cup squad, wrote: ” Thank you for all msgs- im safe. Was at the concert enjoying myself like many others – thoughts with victims & families. #WeStandTogether.”

Press Association