England football manager Gareth Southgate has warned his players not to use social media “too regularly” ahead of Qatar 2022.
Speaking to Sky News‘ Rob Harris on 11 November, the England football boss said he has advised his travelling team to avoid social media platforms before, during and after the tournament, reports The Manc.
“I would always advise players not to use social media too regularly but that’s the world they live in”, says Southgate , conceding that he has to “allow adults to make adult decisions.”
Referencing the horrific racist abuse that the likes of Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho received following the penalty shootout defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, Southgate’s focus is not only on the football itself but keeping the team spirit and morale intact through the competition.
In terms of reporting any potential abuse that may occur this World Cup, he went on to explain that the players have already “had people come and speak to them and explain that process helps them go and find the guilty parties”, urging England players and anyone online to speak up should any incidents arise.
Gareth Southgate advises England players not to use social media “too regularly” and ensure it doesn't affect their happiness and mood at the World Cup after the racist abuse they have suffered.@SkyNewshttps://t.co/yLrpzLCFNRpic.twitter.com/UBKOLzIbq1
However, he admitted that the FA can only “do [their] bit” on the front and hopes both the UK government and social media companies “keep pushing… to try and control that the best they can.”
Southgate hasn’t banned the use of social media in Qatar though, declaring instead that “as long as you can rationalise that and not let it affect your happiness and your mood, then that’s fine.”
Southgate went on to stand firm behind his squad selection which omitted the likes of Sancho, insisting that he has simply picked the team he thinks will give England “the best chance of winning the tournament”.
Image: England (via Twitter)
In the past, he has often been criticised for having his ‘favourites’ and sometimes choosing too many defensive-minded players. That being said, there are plenty of progressive ball-playing midfielders and attackers in this particular squad.
The man himself isn’t on any social media but will no doubt also be a target following any potentially poor performances and many fans have been calling for him to be sacked for some time. It feels like make-or-break time for the coach.
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long. Just pass us the popcorn now.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
“We encourage everyone to make the most of the celebration and enjoy a film at Vue.”
National Cinema Weekend returns for 2026 this Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, and you can book tickets on the Vue website here.
Major DJ has set cancelled as overcrowding concerns continue at Leeds Festival
Clementine Hall
After closing for the entire second day, The Warehouse stage at Leeds Festival has once again been forced to evacuate.
One of the most anticipated dance acts of the day has been cancelled due to health and safety concerns just moments before the set.
Sheffield DJ Silva Bumpa was due to take to The Warehouse stage today at 1:30pm, but the set was cancelled due to overcrowding.
It's not the first time this has happened at Leeds Festival 2026, as yesterday Omar+'s set was cancelled due to the same issue and the stage was subsequently closed for the rest of the day.
The Warehouse stage is completely new for this year, and supposedly is designed specifically for dance music...which is quite ironic.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Silva Bumpa said: "So so sorry Leeds Fest but due to over crowding my set was cancelled last min I was just behind the stage and got told right before such a massive shame."
Prospa, another prominent DJ who's set was cancelled at Reading on Friday afternoon, spoke up on the situation: "We are disappointed in The Warehouse stage closure at Reading Festival. We were told it wasn't possible to play whilst on the way. This was due to too many people outside the stage.
"We have seen this happen before at larger festivals in the UK. It's time to double the capacity of tents or put dance music on the main stage."
It comes after another dance stage, LS23, was closed mid-set last night due to a health and safety hazard when all the lights suddenly switched off and ravers were forced to evacuate.
If yesterday is anything to go by, we wouldn't be surprised if The Warehouse was closed for the rest of the day which means anticipated sets from Rossi and Mall Grab will also be cancelled.
The Hoot -
14th November 2022 
