Controversy over Manchester Arena’s tweet saying bombing took place in ‘public space’

MANCHESTER Arena is facing questions over a “poorly worded” tweet that appeared to distance itself from the fatal bombing after Ariana Grande’s concert.

Manchester Arena tweet quickly clarified the bombing was “outside the venue”.

MANCHESTER Arena is facing controversy over a “poorly worded” tweet that appeared to distance itself from the fatal bombing after Ariana Grande’s concert.

In the hours after news of the suicide bombing spread, Manchester Arena put out a tweet to clarify that the incident “took place outside the venue in a public space”.

There was confusion about where the blast occurred with many believing it happened inside the stadium.

Police later confirmed the bombing happened in the “foyer” of the arena, which is in fact a public space.

pic.twitter.com/cPwkQbrYp2

— Manchester Arena (@ManchesterArena) May 23, 2017

But the arena’s responsibility for the area is likely to be reviewed in coming weeks, with many critical of the stadium’s lack of security.

The arena often refers to the area as its “City Rooms” entrances, one of several spots people can access the stadium but the only one that’s undercover.

The stadium also uses the area to sell merchandise for the entertainers performing there.

During the day, it’s used by people as a walk-through between the carpark and nearby Victoria Station.

The scene of Monday night’s bombing. Picture: Reuters/AAP

In the aftermath of the attack, which killed 22 people and injured 59, Twitter users questioned the motive behind the arena’s decision to release the tweet.

One said: “Shockingly poorly worded tweet and appallingly timed. Feels like a “we’re not to blame” message. Makes me uncomfortable reading that.”

Many of the comments also point out alleged poor security at the venue.

@ManchesterArena Shockingly poorly worded tweet and appallingly timed. Feels like a "we're not to blame" message. Makes me uncomfortable reading that

— D'arcy Tulloch (@Tullsmeister) May 23, 2017

@ManchesterArena Something about your tweet does not sit right - why should u feel the need 2 add that incident happened outside the venue in a public space?

— christian brideson (@christianbride5) May 23, 2017

@christianbride5 @ManchesterArena Public space means they can't be blamed for not checking bags?

— A (@Bowden1905) May 23, 2017

@Barryr27 @RightGlockMom @ManchesterArena @WilliamAmos Agreed that it was past their security but equally i class that as still in the area. Very poorly worded on arenas behalf

— Kayla (@ohitskxyla) May 23, 2017

@ManchesterArena was at the venue two weeks ago and your security never checked any bags, heighten your security.

— leigh :( (@wonderwallcsjb) May 23, 2017

@wonderwallcsjb @ManchesterArena My daughter was there couple weeks ago and no bag checks.

— Claire Sinclair (@clazzy70) May 23, 2017

Originally published as Controversy over Manchester Arena’s tweet saying bombing took place in ‘public space’