Manchester attack: Twitter launches worker bee emoji to honour terror victims
Hashtags #ACityUnited and #ManchesterDerby will activate emoticons for first time during pre-season derby between United and City in Houston, Texas
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Your support makes all the difference.Twitter has released a special worker bee emoji before Manchester United’s tour match against Manchester City this Thursday.
The launch coincides with the announcement that both teams will be wearing shirts featuring Manchester’s worker bee symbol during their pre-season friendly in Houston, which aims to honour the victims of May’s terror attack in Manchester.
The bee has been Manchester’s symbol since the Victorian era and was made part of the city’s coat of arms in 1842. It represents the hard work ethic of workers, which is comparable to busy bees in hives.
Fans are encouraged to use the hashtags “#ACityUnited” and “#ManchesterDerby”, which will prompt a little worker bee to appear on their tweet.
The Manchester attack resulted in 22 people being killed when extremist Salman Abedi set off a homemade bomb during Ariana Grande’s concert. Since then, the bee has come to represent solidarity and defiance.
Thursday’s fixture is the first Manchester derby to be played outside of the UK. Both clubs will ensure their shirts are available after the match to purchase at auction. The money will be donated to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund.
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