Mancunians can’t stop laughing at this picture snapped by a lad during a “casual walk” alongside Ashton Canal this past weekend.
Well, this isn’t what we were expecting to see on a Sunday morning.
Given that we’re firmly within our third national lockdown amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic here in England – with all non-essential retail and hospitality closed, accompanied by restrictions on outside household meeting, exercise and travel, with guidance to “stay home” – it stands to reason that many of us have embraced the chance to get outside into the fresh air for walks over this past year, as it’s one of the few things we’ve been permitted to do.
This also probably means that you’re used to seeing your social media timelines filled with pictures taken by friends and family while out walking, but there’s something about this now-viral photo that’s really got people talking.
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And it’s really not hard to see why – or maybe it is.
Despite how dirty and litter-filled the canals and waterways of Greater Manchester are known to be, there’s really no denying that this photo – which was taken by Kyle Walkden-Blythe and shared to the over 44.7K members of the ever-popular Mint Manchester group on Facebook yesterday – shows as clear as day, among all the other twigs and bits of rubbish floating, an adult toy sitting above the water.
No further context was given as to where along the canal the picture was taken, or any insight as to why or how the adult toy had made it there, but really, do we even want to know?
Ashton Canal is NSFW at the best of times, but this on another level.
Of course, as you would expect with this not being an encounter you come across everyday, the hilarious photo has since gone viral in the Facebook community, amassing over 950 interactions and hundreds of comments by entertained group members throwing out their best phallic-themed puns.
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One commenter wrote: “Some n*b messing about on the canal”.
Another added: “Didn’t know we had c**kodiles in our canals”, with a third chipping in with: “There’s some right d***s out there in the morning floating about” and a fourth exclaiming: “Love feeding the d***s on a Sunday with the kids”.
“Who freed Willy?” another commenter cleverly wrote, just proving that no one beats us Mancunians when it comes to having a cheeky sense of humour.
At least we can have a laugh about it.
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Adventurous Mancs needed to take part in next series of BBC’s Race Across the World
Emily Sergeant
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? Well, this might just be your calling then.
The BBC is, once again, casting for the next series of Race Across the World.
The BAFTA-winning hit show draws in thousands of viewers each week, and now producers are on the look-out for ‘intrepid duos’ of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea for the next seried – and that includes Greater Manchester residents.
With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic Mancs are being encouraged to take part.
On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
Adventurous Mancs are needed to take part in the next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC
Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions.
But, as producers are keen to point out, ‘the physical journey is only half of the story’. That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.
“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.”
Fancy it then? Applications for the next series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 29 March 2026, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.
VAR audio requested as Nottingham Forest prepare complaint after Man City defeat
Danny Jones
Nottingham Forest have requested that the VAR audio from their game against Manchester City be released, as they are considering launching a formal complaint following the defeat.
Forest hosted Man City at home this past weekend and went on to lose 2-1.
However, Sean Dyche’s side are said to be ‘extremely unhappy’ with some of the refereeing decisions made by first official, Rob Jones, on the day.
As a result, they are now asking the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) to share some of the conversations between on-pitch officials and the VAR team at Stockley Park in West London.
"I'm scratching my head and I can't believe it!" 😳
Sean Dyche wasn't happy with the officiating in their loss to Man City 😬
As you can see, Dyche initially said that “there’s no point” in pushing the refs on their performance, as he feels they usually only “get in trouble”, but it looks as though his employers have advocated for him.
Nottingham Forest had a problem with the final call in a number of instances during the festive fixture on Saturday, 27 December, but none more so than in one key moment.
The manager and his coaching team felt that Rayan Cherki’s 83rd-minute winner should have been cancelled out following a foul by Nico O’Reilly on Morgan Gibbs-White in the preceding corner, which may have prevented Cherki from scoring another decisive finish.
Dyche also argued that another City defender, Ruben Dias, was due a second yellow card and therefore dismissal from the pitch for a challenge after the break, but there was ultimately nothing doing.
You can see the collision here:
"I do have sympathy for Sean Dyche… it is a second yellow card!"
Ref Watch discuss whether Ruben Dias should have been sent off against Nottingham Forest. pic.twitter.com/dxTYmGsEqZ
According to Sky Sports News, Nottingham have already requested more information from the refereeing body, with this not being the first time they’ve felt hard done by.
As they put it, the hope/belief is that raising the issue could help “start a broader discussion around officiating this season.”
What do you make of Forest’s concerns against Manchester City, and do you think they’re worthy of launching an official complaint against the PGMOL and Premier League?
You can see the highlights from the game and perhaps decide for yourself down below.
Emily Sergeant -
18th January 2021 
