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GMP warns rowdy Manc football fans not to ‘ruin’ the FA Cup final for the ‘real’ supporters

"Don't let a moment of poor judgement lead to a criminal prosecution."

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 23rd May 2024

Rowdy Manchester football fans are being warned not to “ruin” the FA Cup final for the “real” supporters this weekend.

History is repeating itself, as Manchester United and Manchester City are training hard in preparation to face each other again in an all-Manchester final of the Emirates FA Cup at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 25 May.

2023 was the first time the two Manchester clubs battled it out for the FA Cup title in the final in the 153-year-old football competition’s illustrious history, and it was victory for the Citizens, with the trophy forming a crucial piece of their treble-winning season… but, in what seems to be a repeating turn of events, 2024 is the year of the re-match.

To no surprise, tensions are building by the day as it’s all set to be a massive day for football-obsessed fans in our football-obsessed city.

Some 90,000 fans are expected to be heading to England‘s national stadium for the game on Saturday – with rival supporters urged to take different travel routes to prevent traffic build-up and keep everyone safe – but thousands more will be watching it out and about across instead Greater Manchester.

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And now, with only a couple of days to go until kick off now, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has issued a warning to all those potentially-rowdy ‘football-obsessed’ fans who are planning to watch the game in public places around the region that they should avoid “ruining the day” for the “real” supporters.

Police said supporters at last year’s final were “a credit to both teams”, and is pleading with them for the same the time around.

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Manchester City and Manchester United will face each other in the FA Cup final on Saturday 25 May at 3pm / Credit: The FA

“This final promises to be a great day for our city, and we want to ensure everyone enjoys the day, whether that is in Manchester or in London,” commented Chief Superintendent Colette Rose, who is GMP’s Gold Commander for the FA Cup final.

“GMP has been working closely with partners, including other including the Met and West Midlands police forces, the UK Football Policing Unit, and British Transport Police, to ensure the day runs smoothly and that everyone can enjoy the game safely. Please also only travel down to London if you have a match ticket, as there are no alternative sites for fans to gather in large numbers. 

“There will be a large police presence across the city of Manchester, as we always have for high-profile events, to ensure the safety of everyone, and we will also have officers on the routes down and in London.”

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Speaking directly to fans, Chief Superintendent Rose continued: “It doesn’t matter where you are intend to watch the match, don’t let a moment of poor judgement lead to a criminal prosecution or a football banning order. 

“We will take a firm approach to anyone ruining the day for the real football fans. If you have any concerns, please speak to one of our officers who’ll be more than happy to assist where possible. 

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“Be safe, be responsible, look out for each other and enjoy the game.”

Featured Image – GMP

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Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street

An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.

Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.

Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.

Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.

Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.

He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.

Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.

“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.

“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”

If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.

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Featured image: Google Maps

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Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.

UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.

The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.

Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.

To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.

Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons

“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.

“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.

“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”

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Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.

Featured Image – Laughterama (Supplied)

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