The vice-chancellor of the University of Manchester has issued a public apology over an alleged “racial profiling” incident which occurred earlier this week.
It comes after video footage emerged online showing Mr Adan held up against a wall at halls of residence in Fallowfield by security guards who demanded to see his ID during an incident in which Mr Adan said he was accused of “looking like a drug dealer”.
First speaking on the incident, Mr Adan – a first year French and Linguistics student at the university who moved to the UK from Italy a few years ago – said he had been left “traumatised” after being stopped upon returning to his halls of residence from visiting a local shop and asked to present his identification.
“The next thing I know I was being pinned up against the wall”, he said.
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Mr Adan continued: “There was no conversation. They just pinned me up against the wall and said I looked like a drug dealer.
“Why? Because I am black and wearing a hoodie?”
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The University of Manchester has since confirmed the suspension of the security officers involved in the incident.
We are deeply concerned by images circulating online (involving one of our students and security staff).
We have spoken to the student concerned, launched a full investigation and have suspended the security officers (without prejudice) pending the results of this investigation.
Now, vice-chancellor Dame Nancy Rothwell confirmed she had written to Mr Adan to apologise.
During her BBC Newsnight appearance, Dame Nancy said: “I was very, very concerned by it, I’ve apologised to the student for the distress that he felt.
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“I immediately suspended the staff and there is now an investigation ongoing.”
Mr Adan said earlier this week that he wanted to talk to university leaders about the incident, and although Dame Nancy declared that she would “consider” meeting with Mr Adan in person, she stated that she could not “commit” to meeting him at this moment in time as “that could influence the investigation” as part of the ongoing enquiry.
She also added that she “won’t meet with the security staff either”.
Dame Nancy confirmed that Mr Adan “has met with several of our staff” following the incident and stated that he has also been offered counselling by the University.
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AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
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Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory.
The Red Devils will be heading to San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch United (hopefully) take home a nice bit of silverwear.
And, of course, a spot in the UEFA Champions League.
The event says: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa Cup Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the Europa league final on Wednesday 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May – grab your spot HERE.
Lorde to play massive Manchester gig later this year as part of world tour
Emily Sergeant
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Lorde has announced she’s heading out on a massive world tour later this year, and of course she’s stopping off in Manchester.
The New Zealand-born singer-songwriter undeniably burst onto the music scene at the tender age of 16 with her runaway number one hit ‘Royals’ all the way back in 2013, and has been successfully cementing herself as a household name ever since.
Following her debut single, she has gone on to break several records with the releases of her first three studio albums.
She has also scooped up a handful of GRAMMYs and BRIT awards along the way.
Lorde is set to play a massive Manchester gig at the AO Arena later this year / Credit: Supplied
The 28-year-old – who is known and loved for her unconventional style of pop music and introspective songwriting – has recently delighted fans by confirming that she’ll be releasing her fourth studio album, titled Virgin, towards the end of next month, and not long after that highly-anticipated release is when you’ll be able to catch her taking to one of Manchester‘s biggest stages.
Fans of the critically-acclaimed pop star will be able to grab tickets to see Lorde when she performs at Manchester’s AO Arena on Saturday 15 November 2025 as part of the Ultrasound Tour.
Other major UK cities she’ll be stopping off at include London, Birmingham, and Glasgow – making this a somewhat exclusive ticket to get your hands on.
Tickets are set to go on general sale next week, following several pre-sales in the days leading up to it.
Support for Lorde’s Manchester gig is to come from equally-revered singer-songwriter and record producer, Dev Hynes – better known by his stage name, Blood Orange – who is believed to have lent several co-production credits to Lorde’s upcoming fourth studio album.
Fellow producer Jim-E Stack will also provide support in Manchester.
Lorde will be taking to the AO Arena stage here in Manchester on Saturday 15 November, and tickets officially go on general sale next Friday 16 May at 10am.
General sale follows two pre-sales – a Three+ Presale on Wednesday 14 May, followed by an AO Arena-specific Presale on Thursday 15 May, both going on sale again at 10am.
Find out more and get tickets when they go on sale here.