Europa League finals live-screening on Museumplein to continue as planned; Amsterdam remains vigilant

The public viewing of the Europa League finals match between Ajax and Manchester United on the Museumplein on Wednesday, will continue as planned, the Amsterdam municipality announced in the wake of an attack in Manchester on Monday. The city remains vigilant to any terrorism threats, the municipality said, according to Het Parool.

A spokesperson for Mayor Eberhard van der Laan said that Amsterdam sympathizes with the mostly young victims of the attack, their parents and other family and friends. At least 22 people were killed and over 50 injured in an explosion in the Manchester Arena shortly after an Ariana Grande concert. Many of the victims are teenagers.

The Amsterdam municipality is in close contact with the police, Public Prosecutor, and Counterterrorism Coordinator, the spokesperson said. No further statements will be made about additional security measures. "The attack in Manchester fits into the current threat profile and unfortunately stresses the reality that all major cities in Europe have been facing for some time."

The municipality and Ajax are discussing how to show respect for the victims of the attack during the finals on Wednesday. The Amsterdam team is already on its way to Stockholm, Sweden where the match will be played.

Some 100 thousand people are expected to watch the finals from the Museumplein on Wednesday. If Ajax wins, the team will be honored on the Museumplein on Thursday. An estimated 150 thousand people are expected to attend.

Football association UEFA announced no extra security measures for the match in the Friends Arena in Stockholm.