Bomb disposal experts confirmed on Sunday the "incredibly lifelike explosive device" found at Old Trafford that forced Manchester United's game with AFC Bournemouth to be abandoned was a hoax.
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The device was found in the north-west quadrant of the stadium approximately 20 minutes before kick-off with parts of the stadium evacuated immediately.
Fans in the Stretford End and Alex Ferguson stand were instructed to leave, with people in other sections of the ground initially asked to remain in their seats after the players had returned to the dressing rooms.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a controlled explosion had been carried out inside Old Trafford at approximately 1645 GMT and later revealed the device - reportedly strapped to a gas pipe - was "not viable".
Bomb disposal experts carried out controlled explosion at Old Trafford on what is described as incredibly lifelike explosive device...
— G M Police (@gmpolice) May 15, 2016
Full assessment now concluded and found device wasn’t viable. A full search of the stadium is ongoing. Full update to follow.
— G M Police (@gmpolice) May 15, 2016
By then United officials had confirmed the game would not take place as fans and the media were escorted from the vicinity of the stadium.
"Due to the discovery of a suspect package in the North-West Quadrant of the ground, the match has been abandoned today on police advice," the club said in a statement.
"People in the stadium are asked to remain in their seats while the forecourt is cleared of fans already evacuated from the stadium. Further announcements will be made ASAP."
Police officers with sniffer dogs searched the stands before the bomb disposal unit arrived to continue the investigation.
Due to the discovery of a suspect package in the NW Quadrant of the ground, the match has been abandoned today on police advice. #mufc
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 15, 2016
The Premier League said the match would be rearranged as soon as possible, though early reports have suggested it could be postponed until after next Saturday's FA Cup final between United and Crystal Palace.
"The Premier League will seek to rearrange the fixture as soon as practically possible and will advise fans accordingly," a statement read.
"It is always the last resort to abandon one of the fixtures and while we apologise for the inconvenience caused to fans we are sure, in the circumstances, they will appreciate the need to do so."
The fans in and around the ground thanked by Gold Commander. Well done to all for responding so well. https://t.co/VSGYdbz1sZ
— CC Ian Hopkins (@CCIanHopkins) May 15, 2016
All other Premier League matches kicked off at 1500 GMT as expected.
Manchester City drew 1-1 with Swansea City to effectively guarantee they will finish above United in fourth, with Louis van Gaal's side requiring a 19-0 victory in the rearranged match with Bournemouth to overtake their city rivals.
