As England’s final game of the group stage looms, we can’t help but feel stressed and apprehensive — especially after seeing what these poor sods in Newcastle had to put up with the last time out.
In a series of viral clips circulated on social media following the England vs USA game, fans watching the match (or at least trying to) at the NX Newcastle music and events space were left in limbo and utterly furious as the venue struggled with audio and video issues throughout the 90 minutes.
Punters resorted to throwing drinks, hopping barriers; shouting abuse at the staff, as well as chanting “we want our money back” and “you’re getting sacked in the morning”.
At least someone got a chuckle out of it… Well, mainly us and the rest of football Twitter.
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Even despite some more positive pint launching when they eventually got the game on, albeit sarcastic, you can only imagine the sheer frustration expressed by so many who not only chose to watch the game there but also had to pay even just to enter the Newcastle fan zone.
As detailed above, the organisers issued an official statement apologising to fans for “such a disappointing experience”, adding that they are now looking into exactly why the various technical issues occurred. We’d definitely not trust the remote to whoever was holding it on Friday night.
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Either way, the damage was already done and hundreds of Geordies were left incensed. I mean, you would be, wouldn’t you?
NX went on to assure that further information regarding refunds would be shared and seemed to intimate that the lion’s share of the blame lies with the promoter Box 2 Box, who despite having a “long-standing track record of delivering sports events” clearly fell desperately short of the mark on the night.
We also resisted the urge to make a ‘they didn’t miss anything’ joke given the disappointing 0-0 result, as those present were kept in the dark for so long that they didn’t know what was going on in the game.
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Moreover, we’re sure they were only further annoyed once they did learn of the score and even when partial coverage did return, they were ultimately forced to watch it without sound. Pain.
Anyone got the score?
Screens went off and now we are watching Angels of the North briefly.
After a while, football is back on but with no sound at all. Fans are calling for a refund and, to be honest, they probably deserve one… #ThreeLionspic.twitter.com/pL3EDN0fy7
We can only sympathise with those unlucky enough to be present for the shambolic screening and pray nobody else suffers the same for the England vs Wales game on Tuesday, as the Three Lions look to secure qualification into the knockout stages of Qatar 2022.
While the promoters have insisted the screen is now fixed and are trying to tempt supporters back with an after-party, we imagine locals will be steering clear of this particular Newcastle fan zone for the rest of the tournament.
To make sure you avoid any similar dramas round this end, it’s probably best you check out our list of the best places to watch the World Cup in Manchester — we’ve given them all the Manc seal of approval.
Council announces return of FREE firework displays in Manchester parks
Emily Sergeant
The skies over Manchester will light up once again, as free firework displays are set to return to several of the city’s parks.
You may remember that major fireworks events throughout the city had been paused following the COVID-19 pandemic, due to funding challenges, with Manchester City Council choosing to invest in a range of other community-focused events across throughout the autumn season instead, rather than one-off firework celebrations.
But now, once this November rolls around, all of that is set to change.
That’s because, on Saturday 7 November, free fireworks events will return to Heaton Park, Wythenshawe Park, and Platt Fields Park.
First up, there will be a reduced-noise, low-impact display at 5pm for families and SEND audiences, and a main fireworks display then to follow a little later at 8pm.
The Council has announced the return of free firework displays in Manchester parks / Credit: Unsplash
Each of the three parks will host lantern making workshops in the weeks leading up to the events too, with family-friendly lantern parades taking place ahead of the 8pm firework shows.
The Council says that the return of the free fireworks events reflects residents’ recent feedback about what they want to see in their community and how they want funding to be distributed.
“It’s a chance, at the start of the shorter days and beginning of the dark winter months, to come together and resume a much-loved annual tradition as well as enjoying an evening of safe entertainment and spectacular fireworks displays,” Manchester City Council said in a statement.
Councillor Basat Sheikh, who is the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, added: “We are delighted to announce and welcome the return of our much-loved fireworks celebrations.
It’s the first time they’ve returned since the COVID-19 pandemic / Credit: Elisha Terada (via Unsplash)
“Our parks should be shared spaces that create opportunities for Manchester people to gather, which is why bringing back the fireworks displays was top of our agenda. And we also recognise the importance of community which is why we will also continue to invest in a wide range of activities in our parks throughout the year.
“The return of these events is a wonderful opportunity for families and communities to create lasting memories and enjoy the long-standing tradition of fireworks in our parks in a safe way.”
Additional entertainment will be announced for each park in the coming weeks too, so keep your eyes peeled for more.
Featured Image – Alex Jones (via Unsplash)
News
Stockport man admits to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for more than 20 years
Emily Sergeant
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted drugging and raping his wife in a ‘horrific’ 20-year campaign of abuse.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man – who cannot be identified in order to protect the life-long anonymity of the victim – previously admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
And now, during an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (14 September), he pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges.
This makes it 60 charges in total the man has now pleaded guilty to.
Some of the charges he pleaded guilty to yesterday include a further 16 counts of rape, nine counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of attempted rape, amongst several others.
Speaking following the court appearance yesterday, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you or someone you know may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
GMP reiterates that anyone who does choose to report sexual abuse does not need a full account or clear memory, can share as much or as little as they feel able, and will be supported by trained officers, as their ‘immediate’ safety and wellbeing will be the ‘priority’.
They may also speak to a support organisation first and decide later whether to involve police.
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Services are available on a 24-hour basis, and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Danny Jones -
28th November 2022 
