Arne Slot has pulled out of the League Managers Association (LMA) awards ceremony following the tragic incident during the club’s Premier League title parade that left over 50 people injured.
Liverpool head coach Slot was due to attend the event in London on Tuesday night, where he was honoured with two major awards, Premier League Manager of the Year and the Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy for LMA Manager of the Year, voted by his fellow coaches. But he withdrew from the event to show respect for those affected.
In a heartfelt message, the Dutchman explained his decision and thanked the wider football community for their support.
“I have had to withdraw from the event out of solidarity with all affected,” Slot wrote.
“This is not a decision I have taken lightly, but it is one that I feel is absolutely right given the seriousness of the situation. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the wider football community, including the LMA itself, the Premier League and many clubs for the support we have received over the last 24 hours.”
“Football is and always should be a game built on rivalry, but it is also a great source of comradeship, especially at times like this.”
More than 50 people were injured on Monday afternoon when a car drove into a crowd of fans celebrating Liverpool’s Premier League win in the city centre. Eleven people are still in hospital, but police say they are in stable condition and responding well to treatment.
Merseyside Police confirmed that a 53-year-old white British man from West Derby has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving, and driving while unfit through drugs. He remains in custody and is being questioned.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Simms said the driver entered the area by following an ambulance that was attending to a separate emergency involving someone with a suspected heart attack.
Slot, who guided Liverpool to their 20th league title in his first season in charge, also paid tribute to emergency responders and fans who stepped in to help during the crisis.
“I would also like to pay tribute to the emergency services and other authorities in Liverpool who swung into action as soon as the incident happened,” he said.
“Along with the supporters and bystanders who helped one another in an hour of need, I think everyone involved in the aftermath deserves the gratitude of all of us.”
Slot will meet Sir Alex Ferguson in person at a later date to receive the award.
