FIFA, Man United Officially Mourn Dead Calabar Fans

Manchester United Football Club of England have sent their condolences to the families of football fans who died while watching Thursday night’s UEFA Europa League match between the team and Anderlecht.

No fewer than 30 persons lost their lives in Calabar after an electric pole fell on the roof of the viewing centre where they were watching Manchester United versus Anderlecht match on Thursday night.

“Our thoughts go out to the United fans, their friends and families affected by the tragedy in Calabar, Nigeria, yesterday,” Manchester United wrote on Twitter on Friday.

It is common practice in Nigeria for fans to watch football matches at viewing centres for a fee, as most either cannot afford the high cable television subscription fees or prefer to watch with other fans.

Also, the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) have expressed their sadness  over the incident.

FIFA wrote on their verified Twitter handle on Friday “FIFA is deeply saddened by the deaths of several football fans in Calabar and offer our deepest condolences to family & friends of the victims.”

Initial reports said 30 fans were killed as a result of an electric cable that fell on the viewing centre where they were watching the game but the police said on Friday morning that only 7 have been confirmed dead while others were still receiving treatment.

United went on to win the game 2-1 and qualified for the semi-finals 3-2 on aggregate.

The favourites will face Spanish side Celta Vigo in the semi-finals, while Ajax will face Lyon.