Sport

Manchester United scrapped plans to wear LGBTQ+ jackets after Noussair Mazraoui refused

A controversial clash of beliefs.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 4th December 2024

Manchester United are under the spotlight once again after they reportedly scrapped their plans to wear LGBTQ+ jackets prior to their game against Everton this past weekend after defender Noussair Mazraoui said he wasn’t prepared to wear them.

The club had initially planned to walk out of the tunnel wearing a special Adidas design in support of LGBTQ+ fans, but the Mazraoui said he wouldn’t wear the jacket due to his religion.

Born in Morrocco and into the Muslim faith – which does not approve of homosexuality and various other aspects within the queer community – the 27-year-old obviously didn’t feel comfortable taking part on religious grounds.

As a result, as per The Athletic, the rest of the team voted against taking part in the observance altogether, walking out instead in their usual pre-match attire.

According to writer Adam Crafton, the U-turn was made just hours before kick-off, with the squad deciding that “no players would wear the tracksuit so that Mazraoui would not be the only one seen publicly refusing to wear it.”

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Man United have worn colourful pre-match jerseys, armbands and more on various occasions in the past as part of the Premier League’s ongoing Rainbow Laces campaign, with the squad donning a previous version of the special LGBTQ Adidas jackets just last season before Mazraroui signed for the club.

However, it now looks as though this specific show of support could be sidelined indefinitely given Mazraroui’s place in the team, having emerged not only as a starter but one of the most popular and in-form players, dubbed by many as one of their shrewdest signings in years.

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Meanwhile, responding to the reports, the club told the outlet: “Manchester United welcomes fans from all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, and we are strongly committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion.

“We demonstrate these principles through a range of activities, including support for our Rainbow Devils supporters’ club, and campaigns to celebrate our LGBTQ+ fans and combat all forms of discrimination. Players are entitled to hold their own individual opinions, particularly in relation to their faith, and these may sometimes differ from the club’s position.”

However, the show of solidarity from the players with their team-mate in this instance and the choice not to take part has come under fire from an understandably passionate section of fans, especially given Greater Manchester’s long-standing LGBTQ ambassadorship and annual Pride celebrations.

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Naturally, not everyone is in agreeance. Football content presenter and producer Bruno Quinney wrote: “One thing for Mazraoui to refuse but even worse for the whole team to follow. Even from a PR perspective alone, this is dreadful.

On the other hand, another account said in response to United’s statement: “Was never this deep, United are so inclusive and work hard for the LGBTQ+ community and provide a safe place for them (rightly so), one person’s symbolism should not scatter the hard work in place.”

Although United have obviously insisted they will continue to support the likes of the Rainbow Devils Supporters’ Club – MUFC’s official LGBTQ+ trust which proudly flies its banner at Old Trafford week in and week out – the decision has of course come as a difficult one for many to accept.

Sharing an official response on Wednesday, the group wrote: “We respect the right of this player to have his own views, whilst also feeling disappointed that he put the rest of the squad into a position where they felt that they couldn’t wear their jackets. We also worry what kind of negative effect this incident might have on any player at the club who may be struggling with their sexuality.

“Rainbow Devils will continue to work with Manchester United to support inclusivity, through the One Love initiative and others, as we all continue our work to ensure all LGBTQ+ people feel safe and welcome at Old Trafford, both on and off the pitch.”

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You can read their full statement down below:

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Featured Images — Nawfel Ajari (via WikiCommons)/ Manchester United (via YouTube)/Adidas

Sport

A dozen of the best and most popular gyms in Manchester, ranked by price

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

You do not need to wait for January to get your body moving again – there’s no time like the present.

The trick to sticking with your health kick is often to find the right routine for you, and when it comes to exercise, finding the gym that will make you feel supported as well as pushed physically is key.

There’s no shortage of brilliant gyms here in Manchester, from the do-it-yourself commercial gyms to the fitness facilities manned by highly qualified trainers who will guide you every step of the way.

Whether you’re a fancy girl who needs fancy facilities to coax you into the gym, or you’d rather get your head down and save some cash, we’ve got you covered.

Here are a dozen of the best gyms and health clubs to try in 2024 – and how much it’ll cost you.

12 of the best and most popular gyms in Manchester

12. Ultimate Performance – Spinningfields (bespoke prices available on request)

Ready to transform your body or lay the foundations for lifelong health, and feeling pretty serious about it? Ok, game on.

Ultimate Performance is the gym in Manchester to join if you want to stick to your plan and achieve whatever goals you set yourself, from fat loss to muscle building to general health, with some of the world’s best personal trainers coaching from here.

The transformation photos of previous and current U.P clients speak for themselves – you will get results here.

You can find out more or enquire HERE.

11. Barry’s Bootcamp – St John’s (up to £308/month for unlimited)

Barry’s is the gym loved by all the famous LA-dwelling beautiful types, and first opened here in Manchester in 2018.

Workouts take place in the ‘red room’, where rows of benches, dumbbells and treadmills promise a total body workout.

It’s now a global phenomenon, with gyms everywhere from the USA to the UAE to Australia to Mexico.

It ain’t cheap though: memberships start at £125 per month, which gets you eight classes, or you can book a drop-in class for £20. The most expensive membership will set you back £308. Check out all the offers here.

10. Blok – Piccadilly (£205/month for unlimited)

Blok in Manchester has a mix of classes and is one of the city's best gyms
Blok in Manchester has a mix of classes and is one of the city’s best gyms. (Credit: Blok)

This gym is genuinely very beautiful, taking over a corner of the historic Ducie Street Warehouse.

It’s another one with three different studios to choose from – you can do pilates and yoga, take on full-body strength-focused or boxing workouts, or try out barre and cardio exercises.

There are top-notch changing rooms for getting refreshed in afterwards too.

Unlimited membership is £205 a month, but if you’re happy to commit to a set number of classes there are cheaper packs available too. Check it out HERE.

9. FORM – New Bailey (£168/month)

You will not find a nicer or more supportive group of trainers than the ones who work at FORM – you also won’t find any who take away your ability to walk up stairs quite so efficiently.

As well as one-to-one training, they offer their ‘reload’ programme with small groups training together at their New Bailey Street gym, and the best pilates and yoga classes in town at their Reset gym on Marble Street.

FORM promises a long-term change to your life – this is no flash-in-the-pan fitness phase.

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Memberships start from £168 a month and we promise you get a lot of bang for your buck. Find out more on the FORM Manchester website.

8. F45 – Piccadilly and Salford (£165/month)

First created in Australia, there are now more than 1,000 F45 studios all over the world, creating what it claims is the most innovative fitness gym on the planet.

Each 45-minute session blends cardio and HIIT-style workouts for ‘sweat-dripping, heart-pumping fun’.

The circuits in their Manchester gyms will kick your ass, in a good way.

It’s £165 a month if you commit to six months, otherwise you’re looking at £195 a month – check it out HERE.

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7. Zeno Training Clubs – Angel Gardens (£99/month)

Hero/Zeno Training Club gym in Manchester.
They even do protein/health smoothies to go.
Credit: The Manc Group

With four different fitness studios to choose from, Zeno (formerly known as Hero) offers a little something for everyone.

You can seriously test your cardio in their spin studio or in the Athletic studio (where you can also take on boxing classes), push your strength in the Stronger studio (which is basically like small group PT sessions), or reset a bit in the Rejuvenate studio. There’s also an open gym upstairs.

Zeno has some of the best facilities in the city – seriously, there are more squat racks in here than in some of the biggest commercial gyms – and a bloody lovely group of trainers to guide your every move.

Memberships start from £99 a month, and there are class bundles available too. Find out more HERE.

6. TRIB3 – Deansgate (£79/month)

TRIB3 is one of the best gyms in Manchester
Credit: TRIB3

This ‘next-level fitness studio’ follows a pretty similar model to V1BE, but factors in assault bikes (ouch) and has classes with a more tailored focus.

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There are three different TRIB3 classes to choose from – upper body and core, lower body, and full body – broken down into three zones: treadmill, resistance and intensity.

It’s proving to be a very popular option for Mancs.

Unlimited memberships are £79/month but there are loads of other options too. Find out more online.

5. V1BE – Central (£39/month)

It’s all about the cardio at V1BE, Manchester’s boutique gym group that will literally display your heart rate on a giant screen for all to see.

Most workouts are spread between sprint sessions on the treadmills and weighted circuits on the floor, but they also have ‘STR1KE’ classes that factor in some intense boxing drills.

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You will be sweaty, you will get competitive with yourself, and you’ll definitely love it (once the hill sprints are over).

Membership starts used to be £59 a month, but since they’ve reduced to just one site over on Mosley Street, prices are now just £39 for unlimited access to the gym and their range of classes. You can go find out more here.

4. The Y Club – Castlefield (starting from £35/month)

Credit: The Y Club (via website/Facebook)

Over in Castlefield, you’ll find one of the most decked-out gyms and health clubs in Manchester city centre at one of the best value-for-money price points too. Put simply, it’s an old-school YMCA with plenty to offer.

The Y Club, which is attached to The Castlefield Hotel – where you also have access to 20% off food and drink with your membership – features a comprehensive range of gym equipment and facilities, as well as a large pool, five courts, football, badminton and more in the large sports hall, as well as studio classes.

There are also in-house personal trainer and physiotherapy sessions available; they even offer free health checks and lunchtime fitness classes as part of their corporate packages where employees can even get a 9.6% discount on selected memberships.

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Standard prices start from £35 a month for a 12-month contract and full access to all facilities, but you can go cheaper with the £30 off-peak rate (6am-3:45pm). You can see the various tiers including reduced student rates HERE.

3. Nuffield Health – Printworks and Didsbury (£51/month)

Nuffield is one of Manchester's biggest gyms, with its own pool
Nuffield is one of Manchester’s biggest gyms, with its own pool.

What makes Nuffield Health so extraordinary of all the gyms in Manchester is that it has a real-life swimming pool, which is quite a luxury in a city centre as crammed as ours.

The gym has an army of treadmills and bikes, plus a functional fitness room, a free weights room, and several different studios.

There are also physiotherapists and personal trainers based here to help you build the healthiest body possible. They also have a Didsbury site too, if that helps.

It’s £51 per month, or you can go off-peak for £43 a month. You can sign up HERE.

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2. JD Gyms – Central (£19.99/month)

Doesn’t need much of an intro this one (Credit: JD Gyms)

With a rapidly growing number of gyms nationwide, it’s easy to see why JD Gyms are becoming more and more popular – and it’s got a lot to do with the price.

Their refurbished gym in Manchester city centre over on Whitworth Street has more than 300 classes a month, a sauna, and literally hundreds of pieces of strength and cardio equipment.

There’s a large free weights zone, a sprint and sled track, boot camps, boxing, and personal trainers. They also have a smaller Salford outpost over on Regent Retail Park.

Basic membership is £19.99 a month – which includes classes – but for £25 a month, you can also get 10% off at JD Sports online and use any of their gyms nationwide – find out more HERE.

1. PureGym – Central and Salford (£14.99/month)

PureGym has several gyms around Manchester
PureGym has several gyms around Manchester. (Credit: PureGym)

We all know PureGym, let’s be honest.

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As one of the country’s biggest gym groups, they’re famed for being cheap and practical, with 24-hour opening times.

Facilities are very good for the price and there are four PureGym gyms in the city centre alone – make that 14 in Greater Manchester. You just have to get used to their weirdly futuristic ‘beam me up, Scotty’ entrance vestibules.

You can get a base membership for just £14.99 on average depending on which venue but you can find out exact details for each place online.

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Featured Images — The Manc Group

Sport

The stats behind World Darts Champion Luke Littler’s brilliant year (and a bit) are quite staggering

Danny Jones Danny Jones Luke Littler stats 2025 World Darts Championship

Yes, he’s done it: the still-teenaged Luke Littler is officially a World Darts Champion and although we all saw it coming, the stats behind his meteoric rise are, frankly, ridiculous.

As if becoming the youngest-ever player to ever win the 2025 PDC World Darts Championships at just 17 wasn’t impressive enough, his pathway, previous victories and numerous accolades leading up to this point really put things into perspective.

Oddly enough, he almost seemed destined to get his hands on the trophy the moment he fell just short in last year’s final against current world number one Luke Humphries.

Here are the numbers to prove it:

As put together by Sporting Life journalist Chris Hammer, when the already long list of achievements in just his first year and a bit as a professional on the senior circuit is laid out in front of you like that, it really does feel like it was always going to happen, doesn’t it?

But this doesn’t even quite tell the full story.

Even before he won his first PDC title on the pro tour at the Bahrain Masters back in January, the Warrington-born teen had already won the senior Irish Open back in 2021 when he was just 14. Let us repeat that: 14 years old.

Going back even further, he’s been dominating the youth circuit for some time too – most notably becoming the first player in JDC (Junior Darts Corporation) history to win back-to-back World Championship titles in 2022 and ’23.

The trend of consecutive successes has only increased as time has gone on and now the youngster has won a trio of darts majors with a Grand Slam, World Series and Premier League title, not to mention two Masters tournaments and a pair of PDC Opens, winning the rest feels like a mere certainty.

The consistency behind his stats and level of averages alone are rather frightening and as the cherry on top of the Sid Waddell Trophy, Luke Littler also won the win the Ballon D’Art trophy after hitting 79 maximums – though Michael Smith does still hold the record for most 180s in a tournament (83).

Not to play on anyone’s inferiority complex here or force them to look back at what they were up to at his age either but, as detailed above, Littler‘s first-place prize of £500,000 has just seen him rack up more than £1.5 million in total earnings over the past 13 months since his pro debut.

But it doesn’t stop there…

As per The Telegraph, top players in the sport typically earn around £350,000 a year in shirt sales and other merchandising opportunities; he also stands to earn even more away from the board than he already does from personal dart sets once he turns 18 and betting sponsors inevitably come knocking.

With no exaggeration whatsoever, Littler’s stats haven’t just seen him win a lot of titles and money in a relatively short space of time but he’s helped kick off a whole new generation-spanning darting renaissance and love for the arrows.

You can watch the highlights from Luke Littler’s World Darts Championship win over veteran and fellow serial winner, Michael van Gerwen, down below.

Here’s how he did it.

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Featured Images — Sky Sports (screenshot via YouTube)

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