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David Beckham charity match: Old Trafford security measures increased following Paris terror attacks

Several attacks in Paris on Friday night have left more than 120 people dead and hundreds more injured

Jack de Menezes
Saturday 14 November 2015 14:50 GMT
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A general view of Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium
A general view of Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium (Getty Images)

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Security measures at Old Trafford have been increased ahead of the charity match organised by former Manchester United player David Beckham after the tragic terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday night.

More than 120 people have been killed in several attacks across the French capital, with the Stade de France targeted by a suicide bomber in an explosion that led to the deaths of three people.

While all professional sport in France has been postponed this weekend, events in the United Kingdom are going ahead as planned, including the charity match in Manchester which will raise money for Unicef.

However, fans attending the sold-out match have been urged not to bring bags to the venue unless it is “absolutely necessary” and warned them to expect delays in entering the stadium due to increased security measures.

A statement from the game's organisers: "Our sincerest condolences go out to those affected by last night's tragedy and our thoughts are with the citizens of Paris.

"Following last night's terrorist attacks, Manchester United and the organisers of today's UNICEF Match For Children have been in consultation with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the decision has been made for today's game to go ahead as planned.

"As a precautionary measure the Club and GMP will be implementing extra security procedures and as with any matchday, the safety of fans is the utmost priority.

"We ask fans attending the game to arrive early and NOT to bring a bag to the stadium unless it is absolutely necessary. As with normal matchday security procedures, all bags will be searched, which may cause a delay in entering the stadium. We thank fans for their patience during this time."

The match will see a number of retired greats from the game turn out in order to raise money for charity, with Beckham persuading a number of his former United team-mates to play in the match as well as the likes of John Terry and Ashley Cole.

Francois Hollande: Paris terror attacks an "act of war"

The Great Britain and Ireland side, for which Beckham will turn out for, will be managed by Sir Alex Ferguson, while the rest of the world team will be led by Zinedine Zidane with Carlo Ancelotti acting as head coach.

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