A man has been arrested after allegedly tweeting racist abuse to Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford.
The man, who is yet to be named by West Mercia Police, is from Powick, near Worcester, and was detained on suspicion of inciting racial hatred following reports of an inappropriate tweet posted after England’s defeat to Italy on Sunday night.
The 50-year-old has now been released from custody but remains under investigation.
Marcus Rashford posts statement following loss to Italy
Inspector Pete Nightingale, from Worcester police, stated: “We encourage people to make these reports and are pleased with the speed at which we have been able to deal with this incident.
“We continue to work with the local football community and have links with the local clubs to ensure that this behaviour is dealt with appropriately.”
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News of an arrest follows 24-hours of upheaval across England as football fans and communities alike stand up against the racist abuse Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka received following their penalty shootout misses in Sunday’s final.
The England squad come together after a devastating penalty shootout loss
A man was also suspended by property firm Savills after allegedly tweeting racist abuse at all three players in question – before quickly going viral for his vile actions.
The artwork has since been restored by graffiti artist Akse, however, the wall itself has remained an inspirational and supportive work in progress for Rashford and his fellow players.
Messages of support fill the abused mural of Marcus Rashford in Withington
Police are treating the vandalism of Rashford’s mural as racially aggravated and an investigation has been launched.
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It’s incredible to see Manchester stand up and come together in yet another time of need, condemning those who threaten our community spirit – and with the arrest of a man in Worcester, let’s hope the authorities can send a message of their own.
If you’ve experienced, or know someone who has experienced, a hate incident or hate crime you can report it to the police.
You can contact the police directly, or you can use an online reporting facility such as True Vision. There are also local organisations who can help you report the incident or crime. Click here for more info.
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Two men charged with rape of teenage girl under 16 in Manchester city centre
Emily Sergeant
Two men have been charged with the rape of a teenager girl under 16 years of age in Manchester city centre.
Mario-Alexandru Ratou and Mario-Vifor Ratou, who are both Romanian nationals of no fixed abode, have been charged with rape of a girl aged under 16, while the latter was also charged with false imprisonment.
They were arrested last Tuesday (7 April 2026), Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed, after a report of rape at a flat in the Green Quarter area of the city earlier the same day.
A third man in his 20s was also arrested on suspicion of rape, but he has since been bailed pending further enquiries.
Speaking following the two men being charged this week, Chief Superintendent David Meeney, who is GMP’s City of Manchester District Commander, said: “Our priority is ensuring the girl, and her two friends who were with her at the time of the attack, continue to receive specialist support during this traumatic time, and as this case proceeds through the court.
“We know this will cause concern across our communities, however as criminal proceedings are now active, I urge the public not to speculate so the legal process can take its proper course for the girl and her family.
“We remain firmly committed to protecting young girls across Greater Manchester and to help people feel safe.
“I ask that the public continue to support us, so if you have any information that could help the investigation, please come forward and report it.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police directly online or via 101, quoting incident 2436 of 07/04/2026 or details can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
The Strokes announce first Manchester gig in two decades
Daisy Jackson
The Strokes are finally set to return to Manchester for the first time in years, announcing a huge arena show today.
The iconic indie rockers have shared details of a new European tour, which includes a night at the massive Co-op Live arena here in Manchester.
The news comes hot off the heels of their celebrated Coachella set over the weekend.
The Reality Awaits Tour, named after their upcoming seventh studio album, will take The Strokes to Manchester as well as London and Newcastle, plus several cities across Europe.
The Strokes broke into the industry back in 2001 with their seminal debut album Is This It, which spawned massive indie anthems like Last Nite, Hard To Explain, and Sometimes.
Since then, they’ve released six studio albums, all of which have climbed into the top 10 of the UK Albums Chart.
You can expect to hear all sorts of fan favourites, like Reptilia, Juicebox, and You Only Live Once, plus new music including their latest single The New Abnormal.
Co-op Live said: “This is set to be an unmissable show as they come to Co-op Live for the first time and we can’t wait!”
Last time The Strokes played in Manchester, it was at the O2 Apollo way back in 2006 – the same year they supported Foo Fighters at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground.
They played Lytham Festival more recently, but haven’t ventured back into Manchester itself since.
The Strokes will play at Co-op Live in Manchester on 26 October 2026.
Tickets will go on sale at 10am on Friday 17 April HERE, with a number of pre-sales beginning from Wednesday 15 April.
The Manc -
13th July 2021 
