Showing solidarity and support to their much loved city that was hit by terror attack, Manchester United and Manchester City football clubs on Thursday came together to pledge £1 million to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund.
“We have all been humbled by the strength and solidarity shown by the people of Manchester in the days since the attack," Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chairman of Manchester City, said.
The city, which has been home to the Red and Blue halves of manchester for more than 120 years, was hit by terrorism on 22 May, killing over 20 people. In this tragic time, the two clubs under the banner of #ACityUnited will continue to explore opportunities to support the city.
"The hope of both our clubs is that our donation will go some small way to alleviate the daunting challenges faced by those directly affected and that our acting together will serve as a symbol to the world of the unbreakable strength of the spirit of Manchester,” the chairman said.
To help the families and dependents of the 22 people who died in the attack and the 64 others who were injured, The Lord Mayor-backed emergency fund, in partnership with the British Red Cross, was set up.
"The barbarism of Monday evening’s attack has shocked everyone. Our clubs are right at the heart of our local communities in Manchester and it is right that we present a unified response to this tragedy," Ed Woodward, executive chairman of Manchester United, said, adding, "The money will help, of course but the work of the two clubs and their respective foundation and community scheme can build on the fantastic spirit that Mancunians have shown in the immediate aftermath".
Paying tribute to the victims, Manchester United FC held a minute’s silence and wore black armbands during last night’s UEFA Europa League winning final in a mark of respect, and Manchester City Women’s team will do the same at their Spring Series match against Chelsea Ladies FC at the Academy Stadium this evening.
Anyone who wishes to donate to the fund can visit www.redcross.org.uk/manchester, www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/redcross/ManchesterEmergencyFund / Call 0300 456 4999 — Go to a British Red Cross shop.