Manchester United's match abandoned after 'suspect package' found at Old Trafford

Manchester United's Premier League season finale against AFC Bournemouth was abandoned Sunday after a suspicious package was found by security at Old Trafford, which led to an evacuation of the stadium and the carrying out of a controlled explosion by bomb disposal experts.

Related: Controlled explosion carried out by bomb disposal experts at Old Trafford

Two stands in the northwest quadrant of the ground - the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand and the Stretford End - were evacuated minutes prior to the scheduled kick-off, and the remaining two stands were subsequently also evacuated.

United initially announced that the contest would be delayed due to a "suspect package" found, but the fixture was ultimately abandoned altogether on the advice of local police.

"The decision to abandon the Manchester United versus AFC Bournemouth match was taken after the police advised of the necessity to deal with a suspect package," a Premier League statement read.

"When it comes to matters of security it is obviously right that Manchester United and the Premier League place the safety of supporters and employees foremost.

"The Premier League will seek to arrange the fixture as soon as practically possible and will advise fans accordingly. It is always the last resort to abandon one of our 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."

An "Operation Code Red" was implemented, though some fans were asked to remain in their seats temporarily so the evacuation could proceed in an orderly fashion. Ian Hopkins, the chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, said police worked with United to make sure everyone was "safely evacuated."

United went into the game needing a victory, as well as a loss from Manchester City in the Citizens' simultaneous contest against Swansea City, to secure the Premier League's final Champions League berth.