The government has announced that “middle-class coke heads” who take drugs at football matches could be banned for five years.
Under the new rules, which were announced by Policing Minister Kit Malthouse yesterday, are part of the government’s bid to stop violence and disorder at sports matches, and could see anyone convicted of taking or selling Class A drugs ordered to surrender their passports when their football team is playing abroad.
The measures are expected to be introduced during the 2022-2023 season.
The announcement follows growing police concern that drug abuse is fuelling a rise in violence at matches, and comes after incidents such as the scenes were thousands of ticketless fans tried to get into Wembley Stadium for the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy last July, which lead to chaos around the stadium and Wembley Way.
There was also widespread reports of mass alcohol and drug consumption, and the government hopes these the new measures will prevent such disorder.
On the announcement of the new measures, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that “middle-class coke heads” are driving crime across the UK, adding that they: “Should stop kidding themselves, their habit is feeding a war on our streets, and driving misery and crime across our country and beyond.”
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He continued: “That’s why we are stepping up our efforts to make sure those who break the law face the full consequences, because taking illegal drugs is never a victimless crime.”
Policing Minister Kit Malthouse also added: “It’s been a thrilling football season, but at some games we’ve seen ugly violence that that has shocked all the leagues [and] more and more, the police are finding Class A drugs at the heart of that disorder and so we must act.”
He said that such bans have been successful in the past, adding: “Football banning orders have been a game-changer in rooting out racism and violence at football, and now we want them to do the same for drug-related disorder.
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The measures are expected to be introduced during the 2022-2023 season / Credit: Ellen Kerbey (via Unsplash)
“The government is determined to drive down drug use and bring home to all who take them that drugs bring consequences.”
The National Police Chief’s Council has backed the move.
NPCC Football lead Mark Roberts said: “Policing and football authorities all support this measure and it is an important step in ensuring that the use of drugs at football is tackled so the majority of fans, particularly those with families, can enjoy themselves without suffering anti-social behaviour and violence.”
BBC Radio 6 Music Festival is returning to Greater Manchester next month
Thomas Melia
The BBC Radio 6 Music Festival is coming back to Manchester once again, and they’re bringing yet another phenomenal lineup with them.
National radio station and overall upcoming music connoisseurs, BBC Radio 6, are back with their music festival, and just like years previous, it’s taking place across Manchester.
Over the years, the festival has brought some of music’s biggest names to lots of local venues, putting on an array of brilliant live performances.
Last spring saw the arrival of rock band Gossip and Irish singer CMAT, both taking up residency in O2 Victoria Warehouse, Lily Fontaine of English Teacher at Band On The Wall, while DJ Seinfeld went B2B with Salute in Depot Mayfield.
Leading this glowing roster of performers is Ezra Collective, a Mercury award -winning band known for their brilliant jazz productions, and then from one Mercury-winning band to another, Lily Fontaine won’t be riding solo this year, instead she’s bringing all the crew with her, as English Teacher are set to perform at this huge festival.
Fat Dog, whose debut album is titled ‘Woof’, are joining in on the fun with Scottish band Mogwai also making a feature too.
There’s even a chance for an exclusive first listen too, as Kae Tempest will be debuting new material right here in Manchester.
Ezra Collective are performing at BBC Radio 6 Music Festival.English Teacher make a return to Manchester for this special event.Fat Dog are also playing the BBC Radio 6 Music Festival.
All performances will be taking place at a multitude of venues, like the previously mentioned O2 Victoria Warehouse, Depot Mayfield, and Band On The Wall, as well as loads of other events at entertainment bar, Yes.
Every highlight, alongside live and recorded live performances, will be taking place at MediaCityUK in Salford, in order to keep everything Manchester central.
BBC Radio 6 Music Festival is happening from 26 – 29 March 2025, with tickets going on sale from 6 February at 10am here.
MediaCity’s new £2.5m indoor activity park confirms opening date just in time for half term
Emily Sergeant
A brand new indoor activity park is set to open its doors in Greater Manchester, and the launch date has now been revealed.
In case you missed it, it was announced towards the end of last year that Salford had been chosen by Oxygen Activeplay as the location for its next venture, and will be descending on Quayside MediaCity this month with state-of-the-art equipment and activities to help local families stay active whilst having fun at the same time.
Oxygen will sit above bustling food hall Kargo MKT, taking over the former site of I’m a Celebrity Jungle Challenge.
Following a £2.5 million investment, the new park will feature more than 30 trampolines, a mega-air bag, a high ropes course, a ‘Rollglider’ aerial ride which flies over the facility, and Oxygen’s signature illuminated sensory experience ‘Excite Tunnel’, along with even more “epic” activities.
A series of optional games and dance parties will also be on offer during each play session, and the new Manchester park will also host ‘Peaceful Play’ sessions designed for neurodivergent guests, who prefer a calmer and quieter playing environment, as well as there being a ‘Toddler Venture Zone’.
A cafe serving drinks, snacks, and meals is also set to overlook the park.
But, up until recently, the date when the exciting new venture would be welcoming in the public for the first time remained under lock and key.
A new £2.5m ‘state-of-the-art’ indoor activity park will be opening at MediaCity / Credit: Jamie McPhilimey
It’s been a long time coming, but after 6,000 hours of hard work from the construction team, it has now been confirmed that Oxygen at MediaCity will open on Monday 17 February , just in time for half term.
Doors will open at 9am, and pre-booking is advised.
“With Oxygen at MediaCity being our tenth park, we knew we had to do something really special, so we have some really big and exciting plans,” teased Oxygen Activeplay CEO, Stephen Wilson, ahead of the new park opening in a couple of weeks time.
The Manc -
20th May 2022 
