News

Police launch investigation after Cristiano Ronaldo appears to slap phone out of fan’s hand

The footage was taken after Manchester United's 1-0 defeat to Everton in the Premier League over the weekend.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 11th April 2022

A police investigation has been launched after Cristiano Ronaldo appears to be seen slapping a mobile phone out of a fan’s hand.

In footage that was shared by popular fan account @EvertonHub on Twitter over the weekend, the Manchester United star looks to be seen throwing his right hand towards the ground as he left the Goodison Park pitch following his side’s 1-0 defeat to Everton in the Premier League on Saturday.

During the player’s action, the footage also appears to show a phone bouncing out of a spectator’s hand and on to the floor.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo following the incident, the fan’s mother has claimed her 14-year-old son Jake Harding, who is autistic and “didn’t really digest what has happening” until he got home, was left “bruised” by the incident, which left the youngster “in complete shock”.

“He’s really upset about it, and it’s completely put him off going to the game again,” Sarah Kelly told the paper.

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“This is the first football game he’s been to, and this has happened.”

Following the incident, the Portuguese striker took to Instagram to address the club’s loss and apologise to the young fan for his “outburst”.

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The post read: “It’s never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing. Nevertheless, we always have to be respectful, patient and set the example for all the youngsters who love the beautiful game [so] I would like to apologise for my outburst.

“If possible, I would like to invite this supporter to watch a game at Old Trafford as a sign of fair-play and sportsmanship.”

Manchester United also said it was aware of the footage – which has been widely shared on social media over the weekend – and the club confirmed on Saturday afternoon it was too looking into the incident.

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The footage was taken after Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to Everton over the weekend / Credit: Everton FC (via Twitter)

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police has now said: “We can confirm that we are liaising with Manchester United Football Club and Everton FC following reports of an alleged assault at the Everton v Manchester United football match at Goodison.

“As players were leaving the pitch at 2.30pm, it was reported that a boy was assaulted by one of the away team as they left the pitch.

“Inquiries are under way and officers are currently working with Everton Football Club to review CCTV footage and are carrying out extensive witness enquiries to establish if an offence has taken place.”

Merseyside Police is now asking anyone with information on this incident to contact the force’s social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact centre quoting reference number 228 of 9 April 2022.

Featured Image – Manchester United (via Instagram)

News

Four rare African ducklings have been hatched at Chester Zoo for the very first time

Danny Jones Danny Jones

More conversation celebration down the road at Chester Zoo, as the award-winning wildlife park has welcomed four African ducklings who belong to a rare breed.

As is so often the case with the work they do all year-round, their arrival could help signal the species’ survival in the long run, whose status was sadly upgraded from vulnerable to endangered on the official IUCN Red List.

The particular type of fowl we’re referring to is the Maccao duck, a stiff-tailed bird that typically belongs to the fresh and brackish inland waters of Eastern and Southern Africa.

Medium-sized, chunky, with big bills and subtle striping around their heads, they’re gorgeous creatures as is, but especially so as ducklings…

rare african ducklings hatched at chester zoo
‘It’s so fluffy I’m gonna die‘ (Credit: Chester Zoo)

If you didn’t say ‘awww’ out loud, then you’re just lying.

As the Zoo itself put it, they are “rare, fluffy and VERY cute.” Celebrating what is “a breeding breakthrough for one of Africa’s rarest ducks […] so these little guys are kind of a big deal.”

These little delightful little duckies are known for diving down to the bottom of lakes and riverbeds to forage for aquatic invertebrates and plants; in fact, given the choice, they tend to prefer going underwater over flying pretty much full-stop.

As a resident species that doesn’t migrate like many other birds, they are native to nations like Namibia, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. They’re identifiable by their dark black heads, blue bills (among the males, at least) and presence within the wetlands.

However, their estimated numbers continue to drop, and unfortunately, just 14 of their kind currently remain in Kenya and only 100 in Tanzania, with fewer than 5,000 believed to be left across the entire African continent.

Not only is this the first time the species has ever been successfully bred by bird experts at Chester Zoo, but conservationists hope ducklings will put a spotlight on the threatened species.

rare african ducks chester zoo
Their scientific name is ‘Oxyura maccoa’.
maccao ducks chester zoo
Just like human babies, they prone to stuff all over their face.
As far as ducklings go, these adorable little African variants are pretty special. (Credit: Supplied)

The zoo’s Head of Birds, Andrew Owen, said of their birth: “As one of just seven zoos in Europe – and 12 zoos globally – that care for Maccoa ducks, these ducklings are very special as they’re the first of their kind to ever hatch here at the zoo – making it a really historic moment for our team,

“This success gives a real boost to the future of the species, and these vital new additions will contribute to the safety-net population in zoos. These birds are facing rapid decline in the wild, so every hatchling really does count.

“To see them now out on the water inside our new Heart of Africa habitat, which is dedicated to helping Africa’s most threatened species thrive, makes this milestone even more special.”

Nothing short of brilliant news, we’re sure you’ll agree; better still, in addition to the crucially charitable and conversation-based tourist attraction being named one of England’s most popular destinations once again, but these are the only rare birds welcome by the zookeepers this month.

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Featured Images — Chester Zoo (supplied)

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Vogue’s immersive ‘Inventing the Runway’ show is coming to Manchester

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

A Vogue immersive show titled ‘Inventing the Runway’ is coming to Manchester, and it’s even co-created by Anna Wintour herself.

Ever fancied learning more about the fashion world? Well, now’s your chance to hear everything you need to know from global fashion leaders and lifestyle magazine Vogue.

The Anna Wintour-approved immersive experience comes alongside the announcement of Factory International‘s Winter lineup, which features another new event all about voyaging to the moon.

This Vogue-fronted experience will incorporate interviews, visual media and more to help attendees visualise fashion shows of the past, present and future.

As well as understanding how fashion shows became the pinnacle of a designer’s vision, this runway-themed display also includes looking back at iconic moments of fashion and pop culture.

‘Inventing the Runway’ by Vogue is focusing on outfits worn by models and A-listers alike, with narration from the one and only Cate Blanchett.

You can expect to see curated pieces by significant creative minds in fashion history like Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood and lots more.

Throughout the Vogue experience, as well as coming visually face to face with fashion, you will also hear a soundscape that perfectly reflects this innovative industry with a fusion of classical and pop music.

This fashion exhibition uses the same Lightroom technology behind the impressive David Hockney experience that opened back in December.

Vogue is using this show to honour anyone who has made an impact in the fashion world.
Vogue is using this show to honour anyone who has made an impact in the fashion world.
The Met Gala has become a staple in everyone's calendar year in and year out.
The Met Gala has become a staple in everyone’s calendar year in and year out.
First Northern Quarter’s Chanel show, now this… Très chic. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons/GoodFon)

Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer, Condé Nast, and Global Editorial Director, Vogue said: “At Vogue, we’ve been lucky enough over the decades to see many incredible runway shows, which have often told the story of fashion as much as the clothes themselves.”

“This Lightroom experience is a wonderful opportunity for a lot more people to experience first-hand the thrill of watching the history of fashion unfold right in front of them.”

You can experience Vogue’s ‘Inventing the Runway’ immersive show from 18 December to 10 January when it visits Aviva Studios this winter.

Find out more information and grab your tickets HERE.

Manchester United tease new collaboration with Manc streetwear brand Drama Call

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Featured Images — CHANEL Spri-Sum 2015 Haute Couture Show/Pexels/Goodfon/WikiCommons

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