Arne Slot cancels awards appearance as letter read out after Liverpool parade crash
Arne Slot cancelled an appearance at the LMA Annual Awards Dinner on Tuesday following the horrific incident which followed Liverpool's Premier League title parade 24 hours earlier.
Slot and his players had just concluded their journey through the streets of the city on Monday when reports of a car hitting pedestrians began to emerge.
A 53-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences, and driving whilst unfit through drugs. At a police press conference on Tuesday, it was confirmed that 50 people had received hospital treatment, and that 11 people remained in hospital. There were no fatalities.
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A letter from Slot was read out at the LMA awards night, at which he was due to receive the main award. It said: 'As you will know, a shocking incident took place in Liverpool yesterday, one that left dozens of men, women and children who had attended our parade injured, and as a result I have had to withdraw from the event out of solidarity with all affected.
'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 hope that I have your understanding in this regard.
'I would like to take this opportunity to thank the wider football community, including the LMA itself, the Premier League and many clubs who will be represented tonight, 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.'
His words continued: '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.
'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.'
On winning the award, Slot added: 'I am humbled to be named Barclays Premier League Manager of the Season so thank you to the Barclays & The Premier League awards panel for selecting me. The main reason I say I am humbled is that I know the incredibly high standard of the managers in the Premier League.
'It goes without saying that I am also really proud to be a member of the League Managers Association and therefore I am truly honoured to be awarded the Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy for the LMA Manager of the Year. To be voted for by your managerial peers is so special, especially as I know the unbelievable quality of those who have won this award previously.
'Sir Alex, I look forward to meeting with you at a later date to receive my trophy from you. I also look forward to attending my first LMA Annual Awards dinner on a future occasion. Thank you once again for your understanding and your support.
'If you could join me in keeping those affected by yesterday's events in your thoughts and prayers, it would be very much appreciated.'
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