Arne Slot withdraws from LMA awards dinner after Liverpool title parade horror as he pays emotional tribute to emergency services

The Dutchman was due to to receive the LMA's and the Premier League's manager of the year awards at an event in London on Tuesday off the back of leading Liverpool to the Premier League title. However, with more than 50 people requiring hospital treatment, and 11 still under medical care, after a car was driven into a crowd in the city centre during the club's trophy parade on Monday, Slot decided against attending in solidarity for the victims. The former Feyenoord manager also praised the emergency services for their actions.

He wrote in a letter to the LMA, which was posted on the club's website: "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."

Slot added: "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 an occasion that should have been about Liverpool winning the title in front of hundreds of thousands of fans, the day ended in tragedy. Police say a 53-year-old white British man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving, and driving while unfit through drugs. All those affected, and more, will hope those injured on this day make a full recovery.

Slot said he would hope to attend the event at another time. He added: "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."