EPL finale bombs out for Singaporean duo

It was his first visit to the iconic Old Trafford and he even purchased a matchday VIP experience package to make it was a trip to remember.

But unbeknown to Manchester United fan Isaac Teo, the Red Devils' English Premier League (EPL) final game of the season against Bournemouth was abandoned on Sunday owing to the discovery of a suspicious package in the stands.

Although the incident is now known to be a fake bomb scare, the 39-year-old Singaporean says that the buzz over the Red Devils' EPL finale has fizzled out.

He told The Straits Times in a telephone interview from Manchester yesterday that the mood in the city remains the same, and that people simply "laughed off" the incident.

But on Sunday, the financial services director, was crestfallen after learning the evacuation was a false alarm. He recalled: "It was quite a disappointment, the match was supposed to take place at the same time as the Manchester City game with a top-four place at stake.

Singaporean Isaac Teo outside Old Trafford with the statues of United legends George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton. PHOTO: COURTESY OF ISAAC TEO

"Now that we know City drew (1-1 against Swansea), the excitement is already gone."

The Citizens, fourth with 66 points, will claim the final Champions League spot ahead of United (63), who have to steamroll Bournemouth by 19 goals because of an inferior goal difference.

Yet Teo, who is in England with his girlfriend and two friends for a holiday, said that he will be back in Manchester for tonight's rearranged game.

Each of them spent around $500 on the VIP package, which includes lunch with a former United player, along with a match ticket at the stadium's Stretford End.

But fellow Singaporean Khoo Yap Meng, 29, who was also at the stadium on Sunday, said that he will not be catching the game.

Currently in France, the product marketing executive with SPH Digital said: "I personally don't see the point especially since the game has lost its significance.

"At least this was just part of my trip. You have to feel more for those who flew in just for the game."

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 17, 2016, with the headline EPL finale bombs out for Singaporean duo. Subscribe