The Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground has addressed claims that the venue was ‘dangerously overcrowded’ at recent concerts.
The Manchester venue has hosted Harry Styles, The Killers and Red Hot Chilli Peppers in the last few weeks as the city’s huge summer of music kicked off in earnest.
With crowds of up to 50,000 for live music event, it’s one of the region’s largest venues.
But fans say their recent gig experiences have been marred by poor organisation and overcrowding.
Dozens of negative reviews and complaints have been filed online from the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground, saying it’s been ‘overcrowded’, ‘poorly staffed and unsafe’.
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Credit: Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground
The venue has since insisted that ‘guest safety will always be at the heart of the events’ held there.
One video shared by a gig-goer showed a person slumped over on a tarpaulin while another appeared to argue with a steward.
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They wrote: “I cannot believe you sold this many tickets and didn’t even check who had seating. I had to help people get out because your stewards were brushing them off as drunk when having a panic attack.”
Someone else wrote on Twitter: “@EmiratesOT is the worst stadium I have ever been too. Awful organisation, poorly staffed and imo unsafe. Lucky not to get trampled on whilst leaving a gig. Overcrowded.”
Another said: “Worst venue I’ve ever attended. Nearly got crushed. Leaving one SINGLE gate unattended for everyone getting in and out. The stewards attitude was disgusting. No crowd control at all. Clearly oversold.”
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On TripAdvisor, one person wrote: “Amazed a venue in 2022 could be so dangerous. Massively oversold for the size. From the second you clear security it was absolute chaos and people trapped with no where to move around. Completely trapped and more and more fans pouring in behind.
“We witnessed numerous fans come into medical trouble and the untrained staff just waved them away as if they were drunk. Disabled and families had no way of getting to seating area. Nowhere near enough exits. And then stopping people exiting after the show! If an incident were to have happened this would have been a disaster.”
Another reviewer claimed: “If I could give minus I would! Avoid this venue at all costs if attending a concert. Just been to see the Red Hot Chill Peppers and I can honestly say I have never been to a worse venue.
“The organisation was a complete disgrace. They dangerously oversold it and packed so many people in there was no room to move. Anywhere!!
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“We attend gigs regularly all up and down the UK and I have never experienced anything like this! If this is how they run all concerts then it’s a disaster waiting to happen.
“If you want to see your favourite artist perform pick another venue on the tour – one that knows how to run such an event safely. I will never go back there.”
A spokesperson for Emirates Old Trafford said: “All events at Emirates Old Trafford are reviewed continuously to improve the guest experience by working alongside all stakeholders that are involved.
“Our guest safety will always be at the heart of the events we host at Emirates Old Trafford.”
Featured image: The Manc Group
News
Daughter pays heartbreaking tribute to dad at centre of Salford murder investigation
Daisy Jackson
The daughter of a man who died in Salford last week has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her ‘beloved dad’, who is now at the centre of a murder investigation.
44-year-old Mohamed Omar was found at an address after officers were called to Great Clowes Street at round 7.50pm on Tuesday 6 October.
He was unresponsive at the time officers arrived, and despite the efforts of emergency services and medical professionals, died a short while later.
Five men, aged between 24 and 35-years-old, were arrested on suspicion of murder and have since been bailed while enquiries continue.
Now, Mohamed’s daughter has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her father, describing him as someone who could ‘light up a room’.
She said: “To my beloved Dad. You were loved so much, not just by me, but by everyone you crossed paths with.
“You worked so hard throughout your life, always giving so much of yourself to the people around you. You had an energy that could light up a room, and no matter what, you could always make someone laugh.
“No one deserves to have their life taken. You were taken from us far too soon, and it hurts knowing there was still so much more for us both to experience together. You have left a mark on us all, and it still feels surreal knowing you are gone. I wish we had more time together.
“I hope you are in a better place, resting peacefully with Nanna and Grandad. I hope you know how much I love you and that I always will. You will live in my heart forever. Until we meet again, Dad. From your daughter, Layla.”
Also paying tribute is one of Mohamed’s friends, who said: “I still can’t believe you’ve been taken from us. I never imagined I would have to face a world without you in it. You weren’t just my best friend; you were family, someone who held a special place in my heart that nobody could ever replace.
“My heart is broken knowing that you’re no longer here with us. There are so many things I wish I could say to you, so many memories I wish we could make, and so many moments I wish I could have back.
“You didn’t deserve what happened to you. I will carry your memory with me for the rest of my life, and no matter how much time passes, you will never be forgotten.
“Rest peacefully, my best friend. Until we meet again, you will forever have a place in my heart. I love you always, and I will miss you more than words could ever explain. From your brother Lee Yassein.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact police. Reports can be made via 101, the LiveChat function on our website , or through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police issue urgent appeal after three-vehicle collision on M62 leaves woman ‘seriously injured’
Emily Sergeant
Police have issued an urgent appeal to the public following a collision involving three vehicles on the M62 over the weekend.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that, at approximately 10:10pm this past Saturday (10 October), officers received reports of a collision involving three vehicles on the westbound carriageway between Junctions 20 and 21 of the M62 motorway.
A large emergency services response attended the scene – including colleagues from the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), as well as GMP.
When they arrived on the scene, they found that a woman in her has 60s sustained ‘serious injuries’, and at this time, she remains in hospital for treatment.
Initial police enquiries have indicated that a Mercedes van was involved in a collision with a Volvo, which subsequently collided with a Vauxhall Insignia.
A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and remains in custody for questioning.
While enquires are ongoing, officers from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward, and say they are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or who has dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident.
Can you help? Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact police via 101 or through the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting incident number 3374 of 10/10/26.
Information can also be provided directly to the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741, or alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Simon Brace (via Wikimedia Commons)
Daisy Jackson -
28th June 2022 
