David Beckham has finally responded to Joe Lycett after he infamously threatened to shred £10,000 if he didn’t sever ties with Qatar before the World Cup.
As was revealed shortly after the deadline and the money was seemingly thrown into a shredder, the comedian didn’t actually shred the sizeable sum and instead gave the money to charity.
However, what the stunt did achieve was raise more awareness surrounding the Gulf state’s human rights abuses and, in particular, their discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.
Finally, in a special edition of Joe Lycett’sGot Your Back programme on Channel 4, the comedian read out an official statement issued by a spokesperson for Beckham.
Lycett also confirmed on social media that he could not share his opinions on the response but thanked the network for their cooperation throughout the very public ‘Benders Like Beckham’ prank.
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As far as we are aware this is the only statement he or his team have given to any outlet regarding his involvement in Qatar. I have been advised that legally I cannot give my opinion on it, so you’ll have to make up your own minds. (2/4)
I’d like to thank the Got Your Back team and the team at Channel 4 for their extraordinary hard work on this project. Here’s a trailer. (4/4) pic.twitter.com/NDd27wQCst
The spokesperson emphasised that beyond being part of multiple international tournaments down the years, the 47-year-old has “always believed that sport has the power to be a force for good in the world” and “has a genuine ability to bring people together and make a real contribution to communities.
The statement goes on to say: “We understand that there are different and strongly held views about engagement in the Middle East but see it as positive that debate about the key issues has been stimulated directly by the first World Cup being held in the region.
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“We hope that these conversations will lead to greater understanding and empathy towards all people and that progress will be achieved.”
Once again, while the 34-year-old comic has been advised not to comment but – much like the pundits criticised for choosing to attend Qatar 2022 – Lycett, Beckham’s detractors and football fans, in general, will no doubt be reiterating that he could raise these issues from home and without being paid.
The programme itself, which aired on Thursday, 15 December, went on to take aim at official sponsors like McDonald’s and Budweiser for backing the competition. The lattermost continued to promote their brand even after the country banned the sale of beer just days before the competition.
As mentioned above, Lycett also went on to speak to Naser Mohamed, a campaigner who claims to be the first and only openly gay person in Qatar and detailed how he was cut off from his family and friends.
He also went on to claim that he was blocked by Beckham’s Instagram account after he tagged him in a post highlighting the “life-threatening reality of the country’s anti-LGBTQ+ policy with the comment, “this is what is happening”.
You can watch the latest episode of Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back on All4 HERE.
Featured Image — Channel 4/David Beckham (via Instagram)
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Man arrested in relation to series of ‘aggravated’ burglaries in Oldham following urgent police appeal
Emily Sergeant
A man has been arrested in relation to a series of ‘aggravated’ burglaries in Oldham following an urgent police appeal last week.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that, between January and March of this year, there had been four linked incidents, as well as a further incident in October, where victims had been targeted in a similar way – with the suspect attempting to or gaining entry to their property, before demanding they hand over bank cards and pin codes.
And now, following a police appeal last week, the suspect – a man in his 30s – has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary, and he remains in custody for questioning.
Following the arrest of the man, who has not been named, police identified a potential further victim.
The incident involving this victim is believed to have occurred between Wednesday 4 November and Saturday 7 November at an address on Whitstable Close in the Chadderton area of Oldham, and during a search of the property, officers sadly found a deceased man in his 70s.
His death is currently being treated as ‘suspicious’, and the same man in his 30s arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary has been further arrested on suspicion of murder.
The victim’s next-of-kin have been informed, and they are being supported by police.
Following the arrests, Detective Superintendent Amber Waywell commented: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the gentleman who has sadly died and with his family and loved ones at what will be an incredibly difficult and distressing time.
“This remains a complex and developing investigation, and we are working hard to establish the full circumstances surrounding his death.
“I would like to thank the outstanding work of our detectives, who have shown real determination and persistence throughout this investigation.
“We are also extremely grateful to everyone who came forward following our media appeals.”
Featured Image – Wikipedia Commons
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Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Danny Jones -
16th December 2022 
