Friday, July 17, 2009

MANUTD Escape Bomb Blasts


Manchester United have called off the Indonesian leg of their Far East tour after bomb blasts hit the hotel they were due to stay in.
The squad arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Friday morning to news of the explosions over in Indonesia, one of which hit the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jakarta where the Red Devils were due to stay for four nights from Saturday.

United play against a Malaysia XI in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday and were set to face an Indonesia All Star side in Jakata on Monday.
After seeking advice from various parties, including the Foreign Office, United confirmed they would no longer be flying to the Indonesian capital, where nine people were tragically killed and 48 injured in the blasts.

"Following the explosions in Jakarta - one of which was at the hotel the team were due to stay in - and based on advice received, the directors have informed the Indonesian FA that the club cannot fulfil the fixture in Jakarta on the 2009 Asia tour," United said in a statement.
The match, scheduled for July 20, had been a 100,000 sell-out and the club are currently investigating the possibility of reorganising the tour.

"We are working on a revised itinerary outside Indonesia with the promoters and we will make a further announcement when these decisions have been made," continued the statement.

"We are deeply disappointed at not being able to visit Indonesia and thank the Indonesian FA and our fans for their support.

"Our thoughts go to all those affected by the blasts."
United could now remain in Kuala Lumpur until Wednesday, when they are due to fly into Seoul, South Korea, for a game on Friday. The Premier League club's pre-season tour of the Far East then concludes in China.

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