A City United

It goes without saying that my thoughts have been dominated this week by the appalling events at Manchester Arena on Monday night, where 22 people were killed and many more injured by a terrorist attack at an Ariana Grande concert. Even if I were somehow to place myself in the shoes of a terrorist, to consider myself justified in maiming and murdering innocent people for whatever cause, I cannot fathom this. I cannot fathom targeting an event with thousands of children and teenagers in attendance.

I remember the first gigs I went to in my teens. I remember how exciting and thrilling I found going to see Blink 182 at Wembley, the lights, the music, the atmosphere. How brilliant those experiences were. An eight year old girl lost her life. Children have lost mothers and fathers. And those who were fortunate enough to survive have had what should have been one of their best nights of their life irreparably tarnished by a twisted, troubled young man. It's abhorrent, it's disgusting, it's barbaric.

Tonight Manchester United won the Europa League with a 2-0 victory over Ajax in Stockholm. It didn't really matter, obviously. But I hope it gave some comfort and some joy to the city. with their rivals Manchester City demonstrating a great deal of class in offering their support. In the words of my favourite Mancunian band, "I'm not from Manchester, but we're all united".

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