Sports
Pubs Anticipate £48m Boost from Euro 2024 Final
Pubs across Greater Manchester are eagerly preparing for a significant boost in business as England gears up for the Euro 2024 final against Spain in Berlin. Industry experts forecast that around 10 million extra pints will be sold across the UK on Sunday, translating to an additional £48 million in trade.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) estimates that in the North West alone, a minimum of 1.1 million extra drinks will be served in the region’s 5,247 pubs. Andy Tighe from the BBPA noted, “The other bit of good news for pubs in the North West is that the vast majority are licensed to stay open until 1am on Sunday night. It will give fans even more time to support their pub.”
Many pubs have already experienced a surge in business, capitalizing on the excitement surrounding Euro 2024. For example, more than 200 people packed into a pub in Swinton to watch England’s 2-1 semi-final victory over the Netherlands. Pub owner Ms. Savage was pleasantly surprised by the turnout for a midweek kick-off, saying, “From 5pm onwards we were packed, we reached capacity at 6pm, and then I didn’t know what to do with people coming in.”
Ms. Savage humorously added that while the cleanup operation might be daunting, the excitement and community spirit are worth it: “If it means we win, [people] can throw all their pints everywhere.” She emphasized that big occasions like the Euros bring people together, creating a sense of community and atmosphere that draws crowds.
The anticipation for the final match is high, and pub owners are optimistic that the event will bring a much-needed boost to their businesses, fostering a sense of unity and celebration across Greater Manchester.
Sports
Cyclist killed at Worlds not found for 82 minutes
An investigation into the death of Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer has found she was not discovered for 82 minutes after crashing during the 2024 UCI Road World Championships in Zurich.
The 18-year-old died after leaving the road in wet conditions during the junior road race and crashing into a wooded area near her hometown. According to the Zurich Public Prosecutors’ Office, the accident occurred out of sight of race officials, spectators, and support vehicles.
Investigators said Furrer lay hidden in undergrowth and was not visible from the road, which contributed to the delay in locating her. Her disappearance was not immediately reported, and she was only found more than an hour later before being airlifted to hospital, where she died from a head injury.
Despite the circumstances, prosecutors concluded there was “no evidence of criminal conduct or negligence” by organisers. The race had been overseen by a local committee alongside the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).
At the time of the incident, neither GPS tracking nor race radios were permitted in the World Championships—unlike in events such as the Tour de France—a factor that may have delayed the response. Following the tragedy, the UCI introduced GPS tracking for the 2025 championships in Rwanda to monitor riders’ locations in real time.
Cyclists’ union representatives have argued that such safety measures should have been implemented earlier to prevent similar incidents.
The findings come shortly after another serious crash involving British rider Tom Pidcock at the Volta a Catalunya, where he fell into a ravine unnoticed by organisers but was able to communicate with his team via radio.
In tribute, the UCI retired Furrer’s race number—84—from women’s junior road races, honouring her memory as calls continue for improved safety protocols in the sport.
Sports
Ghana sack manager Addo Just 72 days before World Cup
Ghana Football Association has dismissed head coach Otto Addo with just 72 days remaining before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Addo’s departure follows a poor run of results, including a 2-1 defeat to Germany in Stuttgart and a heavy 5-1 loss against Austria in Vienna. The Ghana national football team have now lost their last four matches.
Despite boasting attacking talent such as Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus, Ghana also failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations under Addo’s leadership.
In a statement, the Ghana Football Association confirmed it had “parted ways” with Addo with immediate effect, adding that a new technical direction for the team would be announced soon.
Addo, 50, was born in Germany and spent his entire playing career there, earning 15 caps for Ghana. He had been in his second spell as head coach since March 2024.
The upcoming World Cup—set to be hosted across United States, Canada, and Mexico—will run from 11 June to 19 July.
Ghana’s campaign is scheduled to begin against Panama on 18 June, followed by group matches against England and Croatia.
Sports
Scott Brown Leaves Ayr United Role by Mutual Consent
Scott Brown has stepped down as manager of Ayr United by mutual consent, the Scottish Championship side has confirmed.
The 40-year-old departs Somerset Park alongside assistant Steven Whittaker following a difficult run of nine matches without a win.
Ayr’s form has seen them drop to sixth place in the Scottish Championship after a 3-0 defeat to Raith Rovers, a result that allowed their opponents to overtake them in the standings. The team now sits outside the promotion play-off positions, trailing Dunfermline Athletic by five points, with their rivals also holding a game in hand.
Brown, a former Celtic and Scotland national team midfielder, took charge of Ayr in January 2024. He initially guided the club away from relegation danger before achieving a third-place finish in his first full season. However, recent results have reversed that progress.
Before joining Ayr, Brown began his coaching career at Aberdeen as a player-coach and later managed Fleetwood Town. He was dismissed from Fleetwood in September 2023 after a poor run of results in his second season.
In the interim, training duties at Ayr United have been overseen by veteran winger Jamie Murphy, along with first-team coach Tommy Tait and goalkeeping coach Dave Timmins, as the club prepares to announce a temporary managerial arrangement.
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