It seems the BBC have made a pretty embarrassing mistake after using images of former Manchester City player Pablo Zabaleta while covering the ongoing scandal surrounding the Women’s World Cup and the Spanish FA’s president, Luis Rubiales.
There are calls for Rubiales to resign from his post after he kissed Spanish women’s team player Jenni Hermoso, who has since come out to insist was nonconsensual, not to mention various other instances of inappropriate behaviour by individuals around the national team set-up having come to light.
With the controversy casting a dark cloud over what was an otherwise magnificent moment for both the country — this being their maiden Women’s World Cup title — and our Lionesses, who made it to their first-ever final in the competition, the BBC is one of countless global outlets covering the story.
Dear @BBCNews you have mistakenly added footage of ex Man City full back Pablo Zabaleta in your piece about Rubiales tonight. You need to make a correction immediately. pic.twitter.com/U3A4g1rGp9
As you can see in the clip shared by comedian Omid Djalili, it features several seconds of the former Man City and Argentina defender, who was in attendance for the final on 20 August, walking past a row of cameras as the narration continues to discuss the under-fire FA boss.
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Having been shared countless times on social media already, despite the editors at the BBC failing to notice this was not the same person, virtually everyone online (football fan or not) quickly recognised the fairly obvious blunder.
In fact, besides sharing no real similarities other than a bald head, Zabaleta is also wearing an entirely different suit and tie, yet no one working on the broadcast seemed to clock the disparity between him and the now-suspended Spanish FA president before the programme went out.
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The retired defender is yet to respond to the moment of mistaken identity but many have suggested, humorously or not, that he has grounds to sue for defamation of character — though that does seem like an unlikely turn of events.
The BBC have since responded following the mistake, with a spokesperson writing in a statement: “A production error meant we showed the wrong image in an earlier broadcast. This has now been rectified.”
As for the actual Rubiales, with pressure mounting over his position within the Spanish football federation, the nation’s governing body has now activated its sexual violence protocoland the 46-year-old is now facing a preliminary sex abuse investigation by domestic prosecutors.
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Meanwhile, figures across the world of women’s football and the sport, in general, are standing in solidarity with 33-year-old Hermoso and the rest of the Spanish women’s team as more evidence of misconduct continues to be revealed.
Unfortunately, one figure who still remains part of the Spanish national squad is their equally controversial manager, Jorge Vilda, who even before being filmed seemingly cupping a female coach’s breast during the tournament, had been the subject of numerous protests over the past year. Now they’re bigger than ever.
Huge protests in central Madrid tonight showing support and solidarity with Jenni Hermoso, and demanding change. #SeAcabó. Enough is enough.https://t.co/sMLpa9bhBj
Former supply teacher jailed for multiple upskirting and AI sex offences across Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
A former supply teacher has been jailed for multiple upskirting and AI sex offences in schools across Greater Manchester.
Abusali Rahman – a British national of Bangladeshi ethnicity from Salford – appeared in Bolton Crown Court this week for his sentencing after first being charged with, and then pleading guilty to, several offences.
The offences are including, but not limited to, 12 counts of taking an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child (images obtained by upskirting), three counts of making indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (making AI-generated images), and one count of attempting to meet girl under 16 following sexual grooming.
The offences are alleged to have taken place between December 2023 and June 2025, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
Twelve girls have been identified in relation to the upskirting offences – aged between 13 and 16 at the time of the alleged offending – at seven high schools in three Greater Manchester boroughs (Bury, Bolton, and Salford).
GMP says it has remained in close contact with the schools, local authorities, and other partners throughout the investigation to ensure all appropriate support is in place for those who need it.
Additionally, the court also heard how Rahman amassed a collection of images of young girls, using AI and other methods to sexualise them.
The images numbered more than 300 in total, ranging from Category A to Category C classifications, and Rahman would post these on social media, often alongside humiliating and disgusting captions.
Rahman was sentenced to six years in prison, and will also be subject to a 20-year Sexual Harm Protection Order.
A former supply teacher has been jailed for child sex offences in schools across Greater Manchester / Credit: GMP
Detective Constable Lisa McGaffin, from GMP’s Bolton Child Protection Team, described Rahman’s crimes as ‘absolutely abhorrent’.
“My thoughts throughout this process have always been with the young girls who have been subject to such indignity,” DC McGaffin said following the sentencing this week. “Their welfare and support will always be a priority for us.
“While working as a teacher – someone who young children should trust and be safe with – Rahman repeatedly took secret photos for his own sick gratification, before posting images online which showed his total disregard for the girls’ respect and dignity.
“Any abuse of a position of authority is deplorable, and against children is especially heinous. I am glad he is now behind bars.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Trafford Centre begins months-long refurb of its iconic The Orient foodhall
Emily Sergeant
A new era for The Orient is on the horizon, as the Trafford Centre has begun its months-long refresh of its iconic foodhall.
Forming part of its ongoing commitment to ‘enhancing the visitor experience’, the Trafford Centre is investing in a major refresh of seating and customer facilities within The Orient – creating a more vibrant and welcoming environment for guests to eat, meet and relax.
Works are now underway and will be delivered in phases over the coming months.
Improvements are being carried out in phases to minimise disruption to shoppers, while creating a more comfortable and contemporary dining environment at the same time.
The refreshed area will increase seating capacity by more than 60%, introducing a range of new seating styles in the process – including banquettes, family-friendly tables, accessible seating for guests with mobility requirements, and dedicated areas equipped with phone and laptop charging facilities.
The Trafford Centre begins months-long refurb of its iconic The Orient foodhall / Credit: The Manc Group
Inspired by The Orient’s longstanding maritime heritage, the design takes cues from a contemporary cruise liner, and the space will also feature upgraded furniture and enhanced lighting, alongside flexible areas designed to encourage visitors to spend more time in there.
There’ll also be modern furnishings and a ‘refreshed’ colour palette to create a brighter and welcoming environment.
“The Orient is one of the most popular destinations within Trafford Centre, welcoming millions of visitors each year,” a Trafford Centre spokesperson said on the refurb.
“This investment reflects our commitment to continually improving the experience for our guests, creating a more modern, comfortable and social environment where visitors can meet, dine and spend time together.
“The improvements will not only significantly increase seating capacity but also deliver a much more flexible and accessible space for all visitors to enjoy.”
Danny Jones -
29th August 2023 
