Sport

Manchester United fans are calling for Erling Haaland to be banned from the FA Cup final after swearing on live TV

We can't see it happening but Reds are convinced they have a credible case.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 23rd May 2023

Manchester United fans might have had to swallow yet another league title for Man City, but they are still hoping to put a dent in their chances of winning the treble as they are now calling for Erling Haaland to be banned from the FA Cup final after swearing on live TV.

The celebrations after City‘s latest title win have already spawned plenty of memes in just a couple of days — Haaland rocking up to the title party in his pyjamas, cooking his own tea in a restaurant and running off to dance mid-interview just to name a few — but the star striker’s little outburst on telly is causing a bit of a stir.

ln case you missed it, the 22-year-old ambushed Sky Sports whilst they were chatting to Jack Grealish after full-time to tell him, “I f***ing love you, you know that?”

As is usually the case with the big Norwegian personality, it was undeniably funny:

United fans might want Haaland banned for swearing, but he continues to crack us up regardless.

Now, we all know this was just a little bit of fun and isn’t even the first time Haaland has sworn on TV, but aside from being flagged as inappropriate for a live broadcast pre-watershed, United fans watching on were almost immediately taken back to over a decade ago and Wayne Rooney.

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The club’s all-time leading goalscorer and England legend was hit with a two-match ban which saw his miss the 2011 FA Cup semi-final against Man City, no less, after shouting “f***ing come on!” down the camera following their 4-2 comeback against West Ham when Rooney scored a hattrick.

Despite leaving the fans, players and Sir Alex Ferguson outraged, the decision to suspend him was upheld following a failed appeal and United had to do without their then-in-form star man for the semi against City, which they went on to lose 1-0 after a Yaya Touré winner.

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Naturally, although the controversial instance happened 12 years ago, many Reds are demanding that the same punishment be handed down to Haaland as a matter of parity, not to mention they’d do anything to see this year’s record-breaking golden boot winner miss the FA Cup final.

The particulars on why United fans believe Haaland should be banned from the FA Cup final.
Some are fully embracing the pettiness.

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While it seems that the Football Association (FA) are unlikely to take the matter any further, with writer Martin Lipton reporting that Haaland “will not be probed over his use of the f-word live on Sky Sports on Sunday”, it’s fair to say that one half of Manchester has a pretty valid grievance.

Nevertheless, if reports are to be believed, “FA disciplinary chiefs do not believe any action is required and that there are no plans to investigate” — sorry, United fans.

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Do you think it’s only fair that he faces similar treatment or should a harsh decision be kept in the past where it belongs?

We’re not saying that City necessarily need Haaland to take that step closer to the treble but it’d certainly help.

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

Featured Image — Sky Sports/BBC Sport

Sport

Tributes pour in following the death of beloved Man United Disabled Supporters’ Association secretary

Danny Jones Danny Jones Chas Banks MUSDA secretary death tributes

Tributes are pouring following the news that Chas Banks, the Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association’s (MUDSA) long-serving secretary, has sadly passed away aged 74.

While he may not be a name known to most football fans in Greater Manchester, within the walls of Old Trafford, Chas Banks is just as important as any past player or manager, as his work helping develop disability provision, support and facilities at the club has been crucial for generations of fans.

Having been a part of the vital fan organisation ever since 1997, the year after he became disabled himself, the MUDSA legend and loyal servant “worked tirelessly to improve the experiences of disabled supporters not just at Manchester United but across our game in the years since.

Chas Banks MBE passed away following a short illness and Man United fans, along with those associated with the club, have been sharing tributes to “a true Red” through and through online.

Sharing the news in an official club announcement, United said they were “profoundly saddened by the loss of our longstanding friend.”

Having been attending the Theatre of Dreams since 1957, much of Banks’ life has been spent in and around the club and after being named the MUDSA secretary in 2016, his work with the Supporters’ Trust, Manchester United Foundation and the wider local community has been vital for so many.

“Chas always sought to improve the environment for fans and MUDSA members”, the statement continues; “he helped shape and drive forward the club’s £11 million investment in the stadium’s accessible facilities that created 118 new wheelchair positions and 158 new amenity seats, doubling the capacity of these sections in Old Trafford.

“As part of this project, the South Stand platform and Ability Suite were also upgraded and this is where Chas would often be found on matchdays and where he held many of his famous MUDSA events. 

As for the Disabled Supporters’ Association themselves, they shared a brief but heartfelt statement on their website, expressing their “great sadness” as well as asking fellow Reds to respect his family’s privacy during this difficult time.

They went on to add: “Chas worked extremely hard for MUDSA as well as many other organisations he was involved with and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. This Friday’s MUDSA Annual Dinner would have been Chas’ 25th [anniversary], and it will go ahead in his honour.”

https://x.com/RainbowDevils/status/1851655446911930830

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Club COO Collette Roche added: “This is truly devastating news for all of us at the club who knew and worked with Chas. He was an important figure within our fan community and represented MUDSA with integrity and passion, as well as playing a significant role on our Fans’ Forum for almost a decade.

“Chas was a relentless advocate for the interests of fans with disabilities and played such an important part in driving forward the development of our accessible facilities at the stadium.

“We send our sincere condolences to Chas’s family and friends. The best tribute we can pay to Chas is to continue strengthening the bond between the club and MUDSA and continuing his hard work to make our game accessible for all.”

As a token of observance, a special wreath will be placed in the Ability Suite ahead of kick-off against Leicester tonight (Wednesday, 30 October) by fellow club legend turned ambassador, Denis Irwin, in remembrance of Chas and his great contribution to MUDSA and the United family as a whole.

Rest in peace to an important fan figurehead who will be fondly remembered and whose contribution to disability support at the club will never be forgotten.

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

Featured Images — MUSDA/Manchester United

Sport

A brand-new half marathon and running event is coming to Greater Manchester

Danny Jones Danny Jones New Media City Half Marathon Salford 2025

For those of you who love running or are simply looking to set yourself a challenge in the new year, a brand-new half marathon and community event is coming to Greater Manchester and Media City, specifically, this coming February.

Created by RunThrough, the UK’s largest and Europe’s fastest-growing running events company, the inaugural Media City Half Marathon is set to land right in the heart of Salford Quays and is tipped to be one of the fastest routes in the region.

The organisers have already delivered the increasingly well-attended Run Media City series in the area, which sees Mancs and more smash 5 and 10k races on the last Thursday of every month, but this will be the first race of this length to be hosted there and is sure to prove just as popular.

As for the first-ever Media City Half Marathon, it’s taking place on Sunday, 16 February and if you fancy notching a new personal best, this one is for you.

This brand-new event will offer runners a super fast, closed-road course, ideal for setting records, all while through the Media CityUK scenery and surrounding path of Salford Quays.

Clocking in at the required 13.1 miles distance for a half marathon (or 21.1km if you prefer metric like us), the run will feature two flat and scenic laps, beginning and ending at the home of BBC’s Northern hub and the historic Manchester Ship Canal, before winding through the heart of Salford and Eccles.

It’s also worth noting that this is a closed-road race complete with clearly marked kilometre signs along the way and designed to support runners of all abilities, so don’t be scared off by the distance if you’ve never done it before.

Plus, marshals and event staff will be stationed along the course to help cheer participants on as they make their way to the finish line and we sincerely hope that once word gets out, there’ll be plenty more locals lining the running route and showing their support.

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Matt Wood, co-founder of RunThrough, said: “We’re thrilled to bring a half marathon to such an iconic location in Media City.

“This event showcases the best of Salford, and we’re excited to welcome runners to experience the new course in 2025.”

Registration for the debut Media City Half Marathon is now open, with limited spots available for what is already a highly anticipated event. For further details and to secure a place, with prices starting from just £32 visit the official event website HERE.

With 270 events set to be delivered by RunThrough in 2025, attracting over a quarter of a
a million participants across local landmark races such as the Run Tatton series and many more, let’s just say it’s going to be a good year for the kudos.

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

Featured Images — Press image (supplied)

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