Al-Qaeda suicide bombers were keen to target Man U players in Indonesia

London, July 31 (ANI): Suicide bombers who attacked two luxury hotels in Indonesia this month aimed to kill members of the Manchester United football team, according to an internet message allegedly written by the fugitive leader of an al-Qaeda faction.

Police investigating the bombings two weeks ago has not authenticated the message, posted on a blog in the name of Noordin Mohammed Top, self-styled leader of al-Qaeda Organisation Indonesia, reports The Times.

If it is genuine, then it represents an alarming new threat to the security of sports teams across the world.

Noordin was immediately named as the chief suspect in the bombings, and is wanted in connection with four attacks going back six years that have killed 240 people.

The team was not due to check into the Ritz Carlton until two days after the bombing for a friendly fixture against an Indonesian team.

The trip was immediately cancelled after news of the attacks. (ANI)