Greater Manchester Police’s counter-terrorism arm has urged fans to “play their part” and “trust their instincts” during the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
Thousands of people are expected to travel for matches being held across Greater Manchester for this year’s tournament in what is set to be a record-breaking event in terms of crowds.
Despite the usual four year-break between World Cups, like most other sport, Covid significantly impacted attendance numbers at major rugby matches and this international tournament will see fans coming from all corners of the globe to support the 32 teams competing.
Whilst there is said to be no specific threat or intelligence linked to the competition thus far, Counter Terrorism Policing and GMP have issued a statement urging fans to be vigilant and report suspicious activity to stewards or police.
Matches for the men’s, women’s and wheelchair events at the 2021 World Cup will take place at Leigh Sports Village, the University of Bolton Stadium; Wigan’s DW Stadium, Manchester Central and Old Trafford stadium, which will host the final two games on 19 November 2022.
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GMP silver tournament commander and Chief Inspector, Jamie Collins, said: “We are proud to play a part in hosting the Rugby League World Cup and to welcome people from across the world.
“We’re working closely with organisers to make sure that everything is in place for fans of every nation attending to have a safe and enjoyable time.
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“However, there is also a role for the public to play in reporting anything that doesn’t feel right. We need fans to trust their instincts. If you’re not sure about something, tell a steward or a police officer, and they will do the rest.
GMP have gone on to assure went on to assure that all safety measures will be thoroughly tested but reiterated that those heading watch the match must follow protocols and treat police, official team staff, stewards, and those working around the grounds in any capacity with respect.
Tournament Director Dean Hardman said: “With thousands of fans attending Rugby League World Cup’s 61 tournament matches, we’re pleased to be working closely with Counter Terrorism Policing to ensure ticket holders have a positive and enjoyable matchday experience.”
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This first match played in Greater Manchester this year starts at 7:30pm on Wednesday, 19 October in Leigh, where Wales will be taking on the Cook Islands.
Have a good one folks and stay safe!
Featured Image — Rugby League World Cup (via Facebook)/Wikimedia Commons
Sport
Details released of Andy Burnham’s meetings with Manchester City owners while Mayor
Emily Sergeant
Details of Andy Burnham’s meetings with Manchester City owners during his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester have been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed on the situation a little first, Manchester City was found guilty back in September all of its charges related to the Premier League’s financial rules over a nine-season period, and on top of that, was also found guilty of the majority of charges in relation to its failure to co-operate with the League’s investigation.
According to the Premier League, the independent Commission found that Manchester City had arranged so-called ‘sham’ commercial deals with a number of its sponsors.
These were part of a disguised funding scheme – with those sponsors only required to pay a portion of the relevant sponsorship fees.
The remainder was then funded by Abu Dhabi United Group Investment & Development Ltd (ADUG), which owned the club.
The Commission also concluded, as quoted by the Premier League, that the club had ‘made concerted efforts to stop and frustrate the Premier League investigation’.
Within the past week or so, it has since come to light that now-Prime Minister Andy Burnham had dealings with Manchester City during his tenure as Greater Manchester Mayor, and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has now issued a public statement, giving details on the matter and what these ‘dealings’ entailed.
A spokesperson for GMCA confirmed that Burnham had a ‘formal meeting’ with Man City Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, back in October 2021.
The statement reads in full: “In October 2021, Andy Burnham, in his role as Mayor of Greater Manchester, had a formal meeting with Khaldoon Al Mubarak at the UK Government’s Global Investment Summit arranged by the Department for International Trade.
“In his capacity as Mayor, he was a guest of Manchester City FC at home matches on a small number of occasions, including attending Vincent Kompany’s testimonial match in September 2019, where he met the Chairman informally in the stands. These have been declared in the usual way.
“Also during his time as Mayor, representatives of Greater Manchester sporting clubs would routinely join business delegations as part of Mayoral international visits.
“This included representatives from Manchester United travelling to Austin and Dublin, Lancashire Cricket Club joining a delegation to India, and Manchester City FC staff supporting visits to China and Japan.”
Featured Image – Lauren Hurley / Number 10 Downing Street (Press Image via Flickr)
Sport
Multiple arrests made for ‘tragedy chanting’ and police officer assault as Man City defeated Liverpool
Emily Sergeant
Multiple people were arrested over the weekend as Manchester City defeated Liverpool in a Premier League clash.
Merseyside Police have confirmed that a total of 10 people were arrested during the policing operation at Liverpool’s home ground of Anfield as they hosted Manchester City on Sunday 11 October.
One man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police constable, five were on suspicion of tragedy chanting, one on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, two for affray, and one on suspicion of throwing items onto the pitch.
Police are now appealing to the public, and are particularly looking to speak to witnesses of the assault of the officer.
At around 6:35pm, as fans left the stadium, a police officer sustained a ‘serious facial injury’ during the arrest of a man on Anfield Road, and was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment but is now recovering at home.
Investigating officers are now conducting enquiries, speaking to witnesses, and analysing CCTV and camera phone footage.
Chief Inspector Leanne Hobin said it’s ‘extremely disappointing’ that an officer has sustained a serious injury while carrying out their duty.
“I hope the arrests send a clear message and act as a deterrent to others,” Chief Inspector Hobin continued. “Anyone who engages in this abhorrent behaviour risks ending up in custody and getting a criminal record.
“Despite the actions of a few, the overwhelming majority of the 60,000 fans in attendance behaved well and I want to thank them for their co-operation.”
Manchester City ended up defeated Liverpool 3-0 during the Premier League clash at Anfield.
Danny Jones -
19th October 2022 
