Sport

Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt slams Wigan Athletic player for post-match celebrations

There was some scrapping on the pitch and in the stands after the well contested derby.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 28th February 2024

Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt has criticised Wigan Athletic following their 1-0 loss away at the DW Stadium on Tuesday night, with a player from the home team’s celebrations sparking a bit of a coming together on the pitch.

The long-fraught derby between the two Greater Manchester clubs is always a feisty one but tensions flared after the full-time whistle when winger Martial Godo went to celebrate in front of the travelling Bolton fans.

Understandably rumbling not only the away support but the players on the pitch, it wasn’t long before individuals began confronting each other, including both Evatt and Latics boss Shaun Maloney, with multiple club staff and match officials needed to separate people and calm things down.

Addressing the furious finish to the game, Evatt said, “We just won’t accept one of their players celebrating in front of our fans” and was also quick to remind the home side that there is quite a gulf between the two sides in the table.

Evatt essentially said, ‘Mind the gap’.

“It’s not acceptable — go and celebrate with your own fans, no problem with that, don’t celebrate in front of ours”, Evatt continued, adding: “You certainly shouldn’t be celebrating when you’re mid-table, that’s what I think”.

Bolton sit joint second in League One on 66 points with an extra game in hand on Derby County above them; meanwhile, the Tics are currently in 13th place having played one more game than their fierce rivals, though they have taken all six points from their two meetings this season.

The 42-year-old head coach went on to admit that he was frustrated with the result and felt “apologetic to the fans” as he felt they and the squad deserved more from the game, insisting that Wigan “probably know they’ve got away with one” and the celebrations merely proved the Trotters were “a big scalp”.

Left fuming by the 20-year-old’s taunting, who is only on loan at Wigan from Fulham, there were also glimpses of in-fighting amongst the Bolton supporters and while it was nothing compared to the unsavoury scenes in Westhoughton back in August 2023, it capped off an ill-tempered ending.

The scenes the Wigan player’s celebrations caused and Ian Evatt took exception to.

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Elsewhere, opposite number Maloney said the result should serve as wind in the sails for his players, telling BBC Radio Manchester: “Tonight was just a real deep desire to not concede, a really strong mentality. It’s definitely a question I’ve put to us as a team and as a group.

“I know we’re really young, we’ve got a lot of academy boys there that have not played a full season before, but I want that mentality and tonight they showed it”, he added — citing Godo in particular as one of the top performers on the night.

Nevertheless, as Evatt hastened to add both in defiance and to quell and simmering derby day hangover amongst Bolton fans, there are still “12 big games” left in the season and it’s his team that is fighting for promotion back to the Championship after more than half a decade out of the second tier.

You can watch the highlights from the fiery clash between Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanders here:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — @slen002 (via X)/Wanderers TV (via IG)/JordanWAFC (via X)

Sport

Gallagher brothers pay touching tribute to Diogo Jota on first night of Oasis reunion tour

Danny Jones Danny Jones Oasis pay tribute to Diogo Jota in Cardiff

It’s official, Oasis are actually back, and during the first date on their reunion tour in Cardiff, the Gallagher brothers paid a touching tribute to Liverpool FC player Diogo Jota.

News of Jota’s passing broke on Thursday morning, after it was confirmed that the Liverpool forward was involved in a car crash along with his brother, Andre Felipe Silva.

Using the iconic track ‘Live Forever’ as the perfect opportunity to pay their respects, the screen behind them flashed up with his shirt.

Here’s the moment it happened:

A lovely touch from the Burnage boys and die-hard Blues, not to mention done rather cleverly given the song choice.

Taken from their legendary debut album, Definitely Maybe, the 1994 track is regularly voted ‘the best British song of all time’ – and moments like these only reaffirm why it connects with people so strongly.

What’s even more moving is the slight swell of noise you hear from the crowd; even on a night where quite literally all eyes were on them and the inaugural night of the ‘Live ’25’ tour, they made sure to shed some light on the bigger picture.

You could even see some fans in the crowd holding up Portugal flags in honour of the late LFC star.

Manchester City themselves – who boast a number of Portuguese players like Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Matheus Nune – were among countless clubs who shared their condolences with Liverpool in the aftermath of the 28-year-old’s tragic death.

Scouse support band Cast also dedicated one of their songs to Jota earlier in the evening.

Put simply, Friday, 4 July 2025, at the Principality Stadium was always going to be one that went down as one of the biggest concerts in decades, but this small gesture from a pair of footy fans no doubt made it even more special for any supporters who happened to be in the crowd.

And, indeed, the thousands watching at home, as even before the tidal wave clips began to appear online, there were multiple livestreams of the show on YouTube and various other platforms.

While most of these were ultimately taken down (not before we saw that legend balancing a pint of blue WKD on his head), there was no chance of keeping this one in the building.

We saw the setlist, we heard the noise; we saw them holding hands, and we even saw them hugging as they walked off. On a night were they chose to spotlight family in more ways than one, Oasis and those who are sadly no longer around to see them ‘Live Forever’ in the memory of millions.

Read more:

Transport ‘masterplan’ announced as more than 300,000 fans hit Manchester for Oasis reunion gigs

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Featured Images — Nick Newell/Oasis (via X)

Sport

Family-friendly places watch the 2025 Women’s Euros in Manchester

Danny Jones Danny Jones family places showing 2025 women's euros in manchester city centre

It’s not just festival season we’re right in the midst of enjoying; a fantastic summer of sport is well underway, and with the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euros having now kicked off, we thought we’d round up some of the best places to watch the games in central Manchester.

With the Lionesses still reigning European champions following that unbelievable final against Germany back in 2022, we can’t wait to see if they can retain England’s first major trophy since 1966.

One of our favourite parts about the Women’s Euros is that it tends to attract a much more family-friendly crowd, meaning that wherever you choose to watch it here in the city centre, out into Greater Manchester or anywhere else for that matter, it’s a safe, wholesome and wonderful atmosphere.

So, without further delay, here are 10 of the best places to watch our girls bring football back home once again – because you’re damn right we’re winning it.

10 of the best places to watch the Women’s Euros in Manchester

1. Tony Wilson Place – First Street

First up, rather fittingly, we’re returning to one of our go-to spots pretty much every summer: the big temporary lawn laid out over on the square at Tony Wilson Place. A sun-trap with deck chairs and plenty of places for food and drink around you – what more could you ask for?

The ever-thriving First Street complex has been paving the way for free social listening/watch parties here in Manchester, especially when it comes to utilising public open-air spaces, and it’s sure to be backed once again for this year’s Women’s Euros too. Trendsetters, they are. It’s also the biggest screen.

2. MediaCityUK – Salford Quays

Heading out of the city centre for a spell – though only a tram ride away – the waterside viewing zone at the similarly titled ‘Screen on the Docks’ over at Media City is back for summer 2025 with a wide range of live sport, including the F1, Wimbledon, cricket and, of course, this year’s Women’s Euros.

Situated on the steps right next to the old harbour area, turned home of Greater Manchester mainstay, Box on the Docks, there are all kinds of entertainment to catch for free. Make sure you check their socials for the regular schedule this summer, even after the tournament is over.

It also happens to be one of the best places to watch Wimbledon in Greater Manchester.

3. Freight Island – Depot Mayfield

Next up is another regular favourite for any big sporting competition: the ever-busy, family-friendly and massive screens at Freight Island. Not only is it right next to Piccadilly station for those who are travelling into Manchester city centre, but you have all the food and drink vendors you’ll ever need.

With an entire room dedicated to watching live sports all year-round, not to mention quieter, family-friendly spaces like the ‘Plant Room’, outdoor spaces and so on, the Depot’s neighbour is always set up perfectly for big competitions like this, and you can bank on the big room being filled with England fans.

4. Deansgate Square – New Jackson

Heading over towards Castlefield direction and the emerging area known as New Jackson, next on the list of family-friendly places to watch the Women’s Euros in Manchester is Deansgate Square, where property developers Renaker have set up a special dedicated section for a jam-packed summer of sport.

Simply called ‘Screen on the Square’, the viewing zone not only sits in the shade of the city’s now skyline-defining towers but also catches plenty of rays throughout certain periods of the day. This space will also be doubling up as a free outdoor cinema throughout the season.

A free open-air cinema is opening in the heart of Manchester’s skyscraper district
Read more about what’s on at The Residences.

5. Factory International – Aviva Studios

Heading across to the other side of Castlefield and over to the back of St John’s, Aviva Studios – a.k.a. the home of Factory International – are also showing the women’s football this tournament season as part of their current Football City, Art United. exhibition, which began on Thursday, 4 July.

Tickets are available for just a tenner, and children 16 or under go completely free. As well as getting to view the incredible installation as part of this year’s Manchester International Festival (MIF), there are also areas dedicated to watching the 2025 Women’s Euros. Sorted.

6. The Carlton Club – Whalley Range

Perhaps one of our favourite options this summer is The Cartlon Club’s collaboration with Baller FC, who host accessible, inclusive football watch parties all over the country, but have a particular strong following here in Manchester and down in London.

In this case, FC doesn’t just mean for football club: it stands for ‘Friends Collective’, as the idea is that everyone is welcome, serving as a reminder that the beautiful game is also the people’s sport and no one should feel excluded. You can grab tickets for the games HERE.

Credit: Baller FC (supplied)

7. The Sisterhood* – Central

Next up is one of the most popular after-work and weekend Manchester sports bars full stop, but in honour of the Women’s Euros, they renamed from The Brotherhood of Pasttimes and Pursuits to The Sisterhood, instead. A nice little touch, don’t you think?

With two floors to choose from, kid-friendly games like pool and shuffleboard to be enjoyed, as well as plenty of pub classic food to keep everyone’s bellies full for 90 minutes, it’s pretty much one of the perfect spots to watch all the action.

8. National Football Museum – Cathedral Gardens

Moving over to the other side of town towards Victoria now, the National Football Museum is one of the best family-friendly and, most notably, completely FREE places to watch some of the best female players in the world shine on the European stage.

While the local institution and home of Manc footy culture will be open as normal throughout the day as normal, since many of the games are being broadcast during the evenings here in the UK, 2025 Women’s Euros matches will be screened after hours at no extra charge. Find out more down below.

Manchester’s National Football Museum to screen England’s Euro 2025 matches for free this summer

9. North Bar – Circle Square

The penultimate stop on our list of the best places to watch Euro 2025 might surprise some of you, but North Bat over on Circle Square – formerly known as North Taproom (just off Oxford Road Corridor) – has quietly become a great place for watching live sport with a more chilled atmosphere.

It might night have the box on all the time, but when they do for big occasions like this, we do sometimes whisper it is an alternative suggestion among friends to avoid the rowdier pub scenes. Maybe give it a try this month and decide for yourselves – and grab some street food from Koto while you’re at it.

10. Hyatt Regency Hotel – Central

And finally, this may be one of the least-known options in the city centre, but the free screenings inside the Hyatt Regency Manchester are also some of the best family-friendly places to watch football, making them a perfect out-of-the-way spot to enjoy the Women’s Euros too.

Credit: FJones2123 (via Wikimedia Commons)

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Featured Images — The Manc Group/Press shots (supplied)

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