Savills has this afternoon issued an updated statement following confirmation that an investigation was launched into vile racist tweets posted by an alleged employee at its Manchester branch.
The leading nationwide property company – which has a city centre branch based on Booth Street – issued its first statement regarding the incident on social media this morning after abhorrent discriminatory posts were discovered to have been made just after 11pm last night when England lost to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
The company confirmed in a statement that it was “immediately investigating and will take appropriate action.”
Addressing the situation involving the alleged member of staff in its initial statement, Savills said: “Savills is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforce.
“A full investigation will be carried out in regards to this unacceptable incident.”
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The statement continued: “Savills abhors and has zero tolerance to any form of racism and racial discrimination and is appalled by the racist comments in these tweets.”
Savills abhors and has zero tolerance to any form of racism and racial discrimination and is appalled by the racist comments in these tweets. Savills is immediately investigating and will take appropriate action
It is now understood that the employee in question is from Manchester, and when approached for comment, the MEN reported that Savills’ Head of Office, James Evans, said: “We were made aware of these appalling tweets and we are shocked by what we have seen.”
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Asked if any member of staff had been suspended as a result of the tweets, Mr Evans said: “We have to go through a proper procedure.”
Greater Manchester Police has also confirmed it received complaints about the post, adding in a statement that: “Reports from across the UK are being collated by United Kingdom Football Policing Unit and The Metropolitan Police and will then be allocated to the relevant forces for further investigation if required.”
Now, following initial investigations, Savills has issued an update.
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The firm said in a statement posted to Twitter: “Savills confirms that the member of staff connected with the racist comments placed on Twitter claims that his account was taken over by a third party and that matter is being referred to the Greater Manchester Police.
“Savills has acted swiftly and confirms that the individual is suspended from duty pending the findings of this investigation, which is being progressed as a priority.”
The company also reiterated the stance that it has “a policy of zero tolerance on any form of racial abuse or discrimination”.
Further updates are anticipated to follow.
The updated statement by Savills comes after it was sadly confirmed that players Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho – who each missed a penalty – have all been subjected to disgusting racist discrimination on social media – despite being part of a team that provided the nation with so much hope over the last month.
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The FA said it “strongly condemns” and has labelled “disgusting”.
The footballing body added: “We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behaviour is not welcome in following the team [and] we will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible.”
“We stand with our players,” the England team said on Twitter.
We’re disgusted that some of our squad – who have given everything for the shirt this summer – have been subjected to discriminatory abuse online after tonight’s game.
Up to 7,000 new homes and a ‘major’ new urban park planned for Strangeways regeneration
Emily Sergeant
Up to 7,000 new homes and a major new urban park are just some of the things proposed for the Strangeways regeneration scheme.
Both Manchester City Council and Salford City Council will be working in collaboration on the ambitious long-term regeneration for the Strangeways and Cambridge areas of the region, and the draft proposals have now been unveiled, outlining the vision that will ‘guide wide-scale investment and development’ across the 130-hectare location over the coming decades.
The draft Strangeways and Cambridge proposals present a ‘high-level vision’ for the area, according to the two Councils.
The plans include up to 7,000 new homes across seven distinct ‘neighbourhood’ areas, many of which will be ‘affordable’, increased commercial floorspace of around 1.75m sqft creating 4,500 jobs, a major new urban park.
The proposals support Manchester’s target to become a zero-carbon city by 2038 and reacts to other environmental factors in the areas.
We are working closely with @SalfordCouncil around the ambitious long term vision for Strangeways and Cambridge.
A public consultation will open soon about the long-term plan for these neighbourhoods.
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) March 6, 2025
Crucially, the Councils say the proposals also reflect how HM Prison Manchester – formerly Strangeways Prison – remains a ‘significant barrier to the regeneration ambitions in this part of the city and how they will work with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) around the ‘long-term future’ of the prison.
A ‘people first’ approach to the regeneration will be prioritised, while the existing architecture and heritage buildings in the area will be celebrated.
“We know this area has challenges, but we also know that there is energy and a community brimming with potential,” commented Bev Craig, who is the leader of Manchester City Council.
“We will deliver huge change in Strangeways in the coming years, working alongside the people who live and work there, and as we move to consultation in the coming weeks, we want to speak to local people and businesses about how we can make this part of the city thrive.”
Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, added: “The proposals in the framework seek to identify the best possible options for this area, which include the exciting opportunity to create a new city park for all, with an option for appropriate levels of mixed-use development, to continue to drive sustainable growth.
“I’d urge everyone with a vested interest in this area, whether you’re a resident or business to engage with the consultation process and work with us help shape the future of this part of the city.”
In order to discuss the proposals, Salford Council’s Cabinet will meet on Tuesday 11 March and Manchester’s executives will meet on Friday 14 March.
Following approvals from the respective Councils, public consultations will then begin at the end of March.
Featured Image – MCC & SCC
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Manchester United fan group The 1958 issue statement after ‘successful’ protest
Danny Jones
Manchester United supporters group, The 1958, have issued a further rallying statement following the huge fan protest this weekend – a demonstration which they have dubbed a ‘massive success’.
Thousands of Man United fans descended upon Old Trafford as they do every week this Sunday, only this time they were there for much more than the usual 90 minutes.
In what looks to be the largest-scale turnout for some years, Reds turned up in their droves to march from The Tollgate pub just outside the Trafford Bar tram stop before making their way down Talbot Road towards the cricket ground and then onto Sir Matt Busby Way.
Although it’s pretty much impossible to say just how many people attended the peaceful demonstration, it looks to have been the biggest since the 2021 Glazer protests around the time of the Super League.
Edward Glazer and Sir Jim Ratcliffe were at the #AFC game and will have been left in no doubt about the strength of feeling against the club’s ownership as thousands of #MUFC fans protested amid angry, defiant sceneshttps://t.co/BYqUjdZ9kZpic.twitter.com/yCW24DNYyb
Quite the turnout, as you can see, and The 1958 wasted no time in commenting on the sheer numbers which joined them in protest.
Writing in a lengthy post on X, they said: “Today was a massive success and fans showed up in huge numbers. Young, old, families, supporter clubs, some fans [are] clearly struggling. All for the love of our club and to fight for everything we stand for.
“Worldwide media coverage turning the lens of greed back on our owners. Each one of you made a statement that we have had enough. We will not take it any longer.
“Many seem to think that a protest is a silver bullet. It is a war of attrition and the war to protect the best interests of our club, generational fans and football is underway. We have always said it’s a marathon not a sprint and it requires resolve, dedication and commitment.
“This will be more than protests at the ground and everyone will need to play their part. Everyone who took part today at the ground or online will be on the right side of history.
“Unified in solidarity under a single cause. Stay the course and support each other. Further updates will be released this week on what comes next. The 1958.”
🗣️Today was a massive success and fans showed up in huge numbers.
Young, old, families, supporter clubs, some fans clearly struggling.
All for the love of our club and to fight for everything we stand for.
Having already assured that he agrees with supporters’ rights to protest following the Real Sociedad game last week, Ruben Amorim once again gave his thoughts after the fact.
“This is a big business and maybe all the fans in this league sometimes feel it is harder to go to the games and pay for tickets. We want to give them a lot of effort. In the future, we will not play like that.”
As for the game itself, despite United taking the lead through a stunning free kick from captain Bruno Fernandes, an equally impressive strike by Declan Rice saw the game end 1-1.
You can watch the highlights from the match down below:
In the shadow of The 1958 protest, there was still an important game to be played.
Emily Sergeant -
12th July 2021 
