A prominent Manchester United fan organisation have called for a full investigation into Old Trafford security after an alleged assault during the sit-in protest this past weekend, detailing what they called “not only unprofessional but completely disgraceful” conduct from stewards.
Large groups of Man United supporters stayed in the stadium beyond the full-time whistle was blown following a lacklustre 0-0 Manchester derby – one both Reds and City fans alike will soon forget – to voice their complaints as part of a planned sit-in protest on Sunday, 6 April.
The peaceful demonstration was a response to the news of season ticket price increases for the 2025/26 campaign and other policy changes in recent months; however, it seems frustrations in the stands reached boiling point in at least one instance, as a man is said to have been forcibly removed.
Now, a few days on from the incident, The 1958 group who were among the core group of sit-in protestors have raised “a formal and urgent complaint” against CSG (Controlled Solutions Group) Security over the “unacceptable behaviour” from at least one steward.
🗣️Update on the incident in East Stand
Just in the way of an update we have spoken to the fan involved in the incident during the sit in protest on Sunday.
There are obviously some details we cannot reveal with respect to the fan involved and also for legal reasons.
Penning a letter to United CEO Omar Berrada directly, the vocal arm of supporters have called for “the complete removal of CSG security services from all home games” following a fracas shared multiple times on social media.
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Although the fan remains anonymous out of respect for his privacy and for legal reasons, they claim that the individual was “physically assaulted by a steward without provocation”.
They go on to add that “others in the area were verbally abused with foul and aggressive language”, noting that the incident in took place in the East Stand happened in full of view of both young and elderly match-goers.
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Writing in an early post after being made aware of the accusations, The 1958 said: “United fans should not be targeted or bullied for protesting legally and peacefully.”
Having been sent some of the footage directly prior to the letter, official channels and contacts were made aware immediately but are still waiting for response from the the club.
You can see more images from the sit-in protests down below, including an image of 81-year-old and lifelong Red, Michael Carney, who is being forced to give up his season tickets after 74 years to make room for new hospitality seats as part of the ‘New Trafford’ stadium designs.
As mentioned, the club are still yet to officially address the alleged assault of the fan during the sit-in protest United, but supporters are continuing to pile of the pressure both through further planned demonstrations and online.
The organisation go on to reiterate that the club were informed of the protest “well in advance of the game” and took their own measures to “ensure fans’ safety”.
Describing how the events unfolded as a failure before asking that the letter be shared with Manchester United’s data protection offer(s), the sign off as follows:
We ask for urgent confirmation that this issue is being investigated seriously and expect a full repoinse outlining the steps the club will take to address this matter.”
NHS says it’s battling with ‘worst case scenario’ as flu cases surge nationwide
Emily Sergeant
Flu hospitalisations have surged by more than half in just one week, plunging the NHS into the ‘worst case scenario’.
Shocking new figures have revealed that an nn average of 2,660 patients per day were in a hospital bed with flu last week, which is the highest-ever for this time of year and up 55% up on last week – which, when put into perspective, means there are enough flu patients each day to fill more than three whole hospital trusts.
NHS bosses have warned that the total has already increased sharply since the week covered by the data, and at this time, there is thought to be no ‘peak’ in sight.
These new figures come as demand for A&Es and ambulance services are already soaring.
The number of patients in hospital with flu has risen by over 50% in the last week, reaching a record number for this time of year – and numbers continue to grow.
New monthly figures showed that A&E attendances were a record for November at 2.35 million and more than 30,000 higher than November 2024, while there were 48,814 more ambulance incidents compared to last year.
The record-breaking demand also comes just ahead of thousands of resident doctors going on strike this week from 17-22 December – with ‘major disruption’ expected for patients ahead of Christmas.
The public are advised to attend any planned appointments scheduled during the strikes, unless they have been contacted to reschedule.
Primary and urgent and emergency care services will continue to be available for those who need them, during the industrial action.
NHS says it’s battling with the ‘worst case scenario’ as flu cases surge nationwide / Credit: Pxhere
The public should use 111 online as their first port of call for urgent but not life-threatening issues so that they can be directed to the best place for their needs, while patients who need emergency medical care should continue to use 999 or come forward to A&E as normal.
“With record demand for A&E and ambulances and an impending resident doctors strike, this unprecedented wave of super flu is leaving the NHS facing a worst-case scenario for this time of year – with staff being pushed to the limit to keep providing the best possible care for patients,” commented Professor Meghana Pandit, who is the NHS National Medical Director.
“Even worse, it continues to rise and the peak is not in sight yet, so the NHS faces an extremely challenging few weeks ahead.
“We have prepared earlier for winter than ever before, and stress-tested services to ensure people have a range of ways to get the help they need and avoid needing to go to A&E.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the flu surge as a ‘tidal wave’.
“We are working with the NHS to make sure it is able to cope with this as best as possible,” he concluded.
Featured Image – Stephen Andrews (via Unsplash)
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Erling Haaland dresses up as Santa and hands out Christmas presents in Greater Manchester
Danny Jones
Manchester City star Erling Haaland has doubled as Father Christmas in his latest YouTube stunt, dressing up as Santa and handing out presents to local kids in the new episode.
We’re starting to think he might be one of the most likeable footballers on the planet right now.
The Norwegian footballer recently surpassed Alan Shearer’s ‘fastest to 100 goals record’ in the Premier League and has been well and truly back to his best as Man City continue to rediscover their form, but the big blonde number nine has been delighting both on and off the pitch of late.
For starters, even before any of the season’s givings began, we got the giggle just from our first glimpse of the thumbnail.
Yes, Haaland definitely has a habit of leaning into the humorous side of his celebrity status, having already dressed up as the Joker for Halloween in one of the first episodes published on his still relatively new YouTube channel.
However, the 25-year-old got up to some more heartwarming activities this time around, swapping the face paint, green wig and stripey suit for a red coat, hat, some little glasses and a big white beard.
With the video itself showing him getting into character and loading his car with a sack full of presents, he then goes on to visit multiple houses to dish out the surprise gifts.
While the title and description state that he drove around the streets of 0161, it’s hard to tell where exactly he went, but we’d guess it was more around Alderley Edge and/or the Cheshire side of the Greater Manchester borders.
One particular interaction between the disguised Blue and a young Red certainly produced a harmless little bit of comedy…
Either way, on the whole, this particular instalment was more wholesome than it was funny, and it’s always nice to see sports personalities and famous people spreading kindness.
Obviously, not everyone can afford to be as generous as a Premier League and world-famous international athlete, but it’s nevertheless a nice touch.
Danny Jones -
10th April 2025 
