Prince William pays tribute to Manchester bombing victims at FA Cup final amid tightened security

The Duke of Cambridge lays down the reef for a minutes silence prior to the Emirates FA Cup Final at Wembley
PA

The Duke of Cambridge paid tribute to the Manchester Arena attack victims at the FA Cup final by laying a wreath on the pitch before kick-off.

Amid a tightened security operation at Wembley Stadium, he paid tribute alongside Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, who made the same gesture.

An accompanying note on the wreath, signed by Prince William, read: "We will never fear coming together to celebrate all that unites us. In memory of the friends and family taken from us in Manchester."

A minute's silence was also held to remember the 22 people killed in the attack.

FA president Prince William paid tribute to the Manchester bombing victims
PA

In the hours leading up to the match, Arsenal and Chelsea fans said they felt "secure" in the presence of armed officers.

Heightened security measures could be seen, with a helicopter hovering above the 90,000-capacity stadium, and officers on horseback patrolling the grounds.

Arsenal supporter Mike Purtill, 51, said: "I've lived in London long enough to be around in the 1980s and 1990s when there were other bombs going off. You can't let it stop you (from) getting on with your life.

"There's always a high level [of police] at these sorts of games, but there's probably more police with guns than are usually seen.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger shakes hands with the Duke of Cambridge
PA

The Londoner said he was more concerned about the "Chelsea forward line" than "anything happening to me".

However, BBC presenter Gary Lineker said players had forgotten to put their black armbands on. He said: "There's been some criticism on social media and you might be wondering at home why Chelsea players aren't wearing the black armband.

"We've been told that they have them here and just completely forgot to put them on. It was an error and they will be wearing them in the second half."

Manchester Arena Terror Attack: Victims

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Security was ramped up across the UK after the terror attack.

The day after the atrocity, the UK treat level was raised to the highest possible rating, critical, but was on Saturday reduced to severe.

Police increased their presence and have encircled Wembley for today’s football event.

Supporters and staff were searched as they entered the national stadium.

Ahead of the fixture, the Metropolitan Police said in statement there would be a full review of security and policing operations for the weekends’ sporting events.

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