Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been named LMA Manager of the Year but withdrew from event in solidarity with those affected by incident during Premier League title victory parade
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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot(Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Liverpool boss Arne Slot withdrew from the League Managers Association awards ceremony on Tuesday night in solidarity with those affected by the incident that overshadowed the club's Premier League title victory parade on Monday. More than 60 people were injured and 11 remain in hospital in a stable condition after a car was driven into a crowd on Water Street that had gathered to celebrate the Reds' record-equalling 20th championship.
Slot was scheduled to receive the LMA and Premier League Manager of the Year awards at an event in London on Tuesday, but the Reds boss and a senior delegation of Liverpool officials decided it was not appropriate to attend. Liverpool had earlier in the day postponed a series of internal events to mark their title triumph.
The Reds boss instead offered his apologies for his absence in a heartfelt message that praised the response of the emergency services to the incident in the city.
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In the letter, which was was read out at the ceremony by LMA chief executive Richard Bevan, Slot wrote: "Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Firstly, I would like to apologise for not being with you tonight. The LMA Annual Awards evening is an event that I was very much looking forward to attending along with my family and colleagues from Liverpool Football Club.
"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.
"If you would indulge me, 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 another note, 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 support. Enjoy your evening and if you could join me it keeping those affected by yesterday's events in your thoughts and prayers it would be very much appreciated. Arne."
Slot won his double award ahead of shortlisted quartet Nottingham Forest's Nuno Espirito Santo, Thomas Frank of Brentford, Newcastle United's Eddie Howe and Wolves boss Vitor Pereira.
He becomes the third Liverpool recipient after Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp, who won the accolade twice. Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan and Kenny Dalglish all won an earlier iteration of the award.