Leeds

Why Leeds United’s game is postponed but others aren’t this weekend

As it turns out, the matter is more to do with policing.

The Hoot The Hoot - 13th September 2022

This comes after it was announced that 70% of Premier League matches will be played this weekend.

Leeds United’s away Premier League game against old rivals Manchester United, due to take place at Old Trafford on Sunday 18 September 2022 has been postponed, reports The Manc.

Many football fans have been left scratching their heads after three out of the ten Premier League matches this weekend have once again been postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II - one of which is Leeds United's away game against Manchester United, originally scheduled for Sunday 18 September.

It was fairly unsurprising that last weekend's raft of fixtures were cancelled following the Queen's passing on Thursday, but punters have now been left confused by this latest decision that also sees Liverpool's trip to Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion's match against Crystal Palace postponed.

However, although most were quick to assume that the FA are choosing to prolong their period of respect, this rationale makes little sense when just six teams have been impacted.

As it turns out, the matter is more to do with policing.

https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/1569363071528828928?s=20&t=fowVGXaNTBwwHNM32aiMrQ

Reduced police resource

As explained in the Prem's full statement, despite seven out of ten games going ahead as normal: "Following extensive consultation with clubs, police, local Safety Advisory Groups and other relevant authorities, there was no other option but to postpone the three fixtures."

Put simply, Premier League matches are classified as Category A, B or C in advance of every season: A being the lowest risk of fan disorder and C the highest. Beyond that there is also ER (enhanced resources), which are reserved for the biggest of derbies when trouble is expected and more than 500 local officers are often deployed.

Both Leeds v Manchester United (a historic rivalry) and Liverpool v Chelsea have been classified as Category A this year; meanwhile, Brighton's derby against Palace on Saturday was already in doubt following rail strikes and has now faced the chop due to further exceptional circumstances surrounding the Queen's funeral.

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As a result of Monday's state funeral, hundreds of police are set to be reassigned to London and as a retired chief superintendent turned lecturer told The Athletic, not only will these officers 'be there for as long as the Met think they’re needed' but cities are also planning their own commemorations, obviously creating a 'second draw on resources'.

While the organisation goes on to thank the UK Football Policing Unit, local police forces and broadcast partners for liaising with them during this difficult time, fans of the affected clubs have been less than impressed by the decision.

https://twitter.com/stan_chow/status/1569366707323428864?s=20&t=SIs2LMUfiP75jil-sd0Dww
https://twitter.com/NurelAmin/status/1569394567606140930?s=20&t=rUMC5jBAJ6GBje2MYL1a0w

Some have even posed the possibility of playing the games behind closed doors - another suggestion which hasn't gone down well:

https://twitter.com/SmnLlyd5/status/1569351750431162377?s=20&t=SIs2LMUfiP75jil-sd0Dww

Notwithstanding any further unseen developments, the remainder of Friday, Saturday and Sunday's games are due to go ahead, with kick-off being moved for the likes of Brentford v Arsenal and Everton v West Ham.

It is worth noting, however, that grounds still hosting matches this weekend are still likely to see a reduced police presence due to the surrounding events, leading many to argue that if further postponement was necessary then it should be a catch-all decision or not at all.

Featured Image - Leeds United

Leeds

A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.

The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.

Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.

It is expected to open this spring.

Image: The Manc Group

Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”

Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.

“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”

The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.

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Featured image - The Manc Group

Leeds

Loved Leeds cocktail bar to no longer close following ‘outpouring of love’ by the community

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

It's great news for the Leeds hospitality scene as The Maven announces it will no longer close.

Just over a week ago, The Maven on Call Lane sadly announced that they would be closing their doors for good.

It's safe to say that we were absolutely gutted, alongside everyone else who's enjoyed a cocktail or two in The Maven.

But our beloved bar isn't going anywhere, as today they have announced that The Maven is sticking around.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by The Maven (@themavenbar)

Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.

"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.

"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.

"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.

"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.

"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."

Read more: Beloved Leeds takeaway Souvlaki Corner to open new restaurant in Morley next month

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

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