Latest news with #Islington
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Inside Arsenal's Champions League celebrations: Wild McCabe, a Jess Glynne gig and Kroenke's speech
While most of England enjoyed a sleepy bank holiday Monday morning, that wasn't the case in Islington, north London. Instead, the European champions had returned from Lisbon victorious and were being congratulated by a sea of red and white. 'As soon as the full-time whistle went, I knew I had to be here for this,' said Akram Hachem, a 23-year-old fan who flew from Lebanon to London to be at the Emirates Stadium to celebrate Arsenal's victory. Advertisement 'I got on a flight at 6pm, arrived at Heathrow at 10pm and there was just one woman working the international arrivals,' he added, 'so I had to wait for another two hours. I got a last-second hotel near Heathrow, left there at 5am, got three trains and got here at 6am.' That is what this Champions League triumph over Barcelona means to those who have followed this team. Katie McCabe, who has been at the club for a decade, was the life and soul of the trophy presentation. With sunglasses on at 11.30am as rain starting to spatter, Arsenal's Ireland international had an air of Jack Wilshere in 2015 about her. From starting her own chant, to a rendition of 'What do you think of Tottenham?' and then another for match-winner Stina Blackstenius, McCabe has led the celebrations since the full-time whistle was blown at the Jose Alvalade Stadium. Advertisement For a clue on how non-stop she has been, take a look at this post from Chloe Kelly where they recreated a touchline clash when Kelly was playing for Manchester City in 2023. In that post, McCabe is still in her match-worn shirt, which was the case well into the night, only showering once it was time for bed instead of straight after the match like normal. But that's the thing, this wasn't normal. After the final, the celebrations started at the team hotel in Lisbon. Those present included Vic Akers, Alex Scott, Lianne Sanderson, Karen Carney, Jordan Nobbs, Jen Beattie, Michael Thomas and Vivianne Miedema. Tobin Heath also turned up, as did Michael Thomas, Women's Professional League chief executive Nikki Doucet and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Mary Earps, who was pictured in a Russo Arsenal shirt earlier in the day. Advertisement At around midnight, Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke, who stayed until Sunday and then flew to the men's win over Southampton before attending the celebrations on Monday, made a speech. The crux of it was to praise the team effort, with special shoutouts to head coach Renee Slegers and director of women's football Clare Wheatley. 'I'm not going to lie, I don't remember so much but he was very proud of us as a team,' a croaky-voiced Beth Mead said on Monday. 'It was really nice for him to be there and support us as part of one club.' At the hotel, there was also a private Jess Glynne concert. Alex Scott revealed at the presentation that Glynne, Scott's girlfriend, had reluctantly promised to perform if Arsenal won. Victoria Pelova joining in for a duet was an unforeseen bonus. Thousands of miles away that evening, Arsenal's men were fully tuned into the final on their way down to Southampton. All were watching in their seats and their two buses were a cacophony of noise when Blackstenius' shot hit the back of the net. Advertisement Asked whether the win was an inspiration, Mikel Arteta said: 'One hundred per cent. That's what we want and they've done it and they've done it in a way that represents the club in an incredible way. 'I think it was a case of that resilience, that character. Through the season, they had a lot of issues and the way they have managed to turn that around and win the Champions League, it's unbelievable. Josh (Kroenke) couldn't be prouder, we cannot be prouder of that. So, a great example to look ahead.' Plans for a potential trophy presentation were being formed for months, encompassing all scenarios across the men's and women's teams. Once it was clear the women could go all the way in Europe, Slegers was in contact with national team coaches to ensure players could report for internationals from Monday afternoon onwards, which has been particularly beneficial for some players. 'Us three were supposed to be on a flight today,' Australia international Steph Catley said, referring to her, Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross. 'But we're on tomorrow morning, so we'll get in on Wednesday morning. Straight back into camp, that's football, it just keeps moving. We've made sure we've celebrated and it's not something I'll come down from for a while.' Advertisement For a few people on stage at the Emirates on Monday, it was more than just a professional achievement; it was the realisation of lifelong dreams. Leah Williamson was a mascot the first time Arsenal won the Champions League in 2007 and has been a supporter since childhood, just like team-mate Lotte Wubben-Moy, who also came through the club's academy. Speaking after the trophy lift, Williamson said: 'This week I've spoken to Tony Adams and Thierry Henry, people I watched and they were incredible. They won and that's why they are remembered the way they are. 'You have to win trophies, you have to, and I'm so proud of what we do off the pitch, who we are, how we lead and how we carry ourselves. I'm so proud of that, but I want to win and Arsenal should be winning. I've looked at that legacy all my life. I've been aware of that all my life and I wanted to contribute to it. I didn't want to end my career just being loyal. Loyalty is great but loyalty with trophies is just something else. 'That's why the tears come. I had some tears on the plane the day before, the hotel. I always said, trophy for England over the trophy for Arsenal, because I just think you don't pick your country, it's a bit more of a fate thing. But I feel ashamed now because that feeling yesterday was, I think right now, the happiest I've ever been in my whole entire life and I hope that other Arsenal fans are because I know I lived a dream, I never take it for granted.' Advertisement In the midst of the on-stage celebrations, another academy graduate was referenced. It was Katie Reid, who was one of three Arsenal players alongside Laila Harbert and Michelle Agyemang to appear against the club while on loan at Watford last season. Agyemang and Harbert, who attended the final in Lisbon, have had further loan spells this season, but Reid has stayed with the first team. She was name-checked, having posted a video recorded before Arsenal's first Champions League qualifying match predicting they would win the competition. She got a massive cheer and was soon lifting the trophy with Williamson. Just as moving a moment was the fan reaction to Kelly. Having joined on loan in January after almost taking a break from football, she had a truly transformative effect on Arsenal, especially in the Champions League. With the focus on her, the crowd quickly started singing, 'Chloe Kelly, we want you to stay.' She is due to leave Manchester City at the expiry of her contract next month. Arsenal were expecting around 10,000 supporters outside the Emirates for the trophy presentation. It's hard to put a number on those who did show up, but the place was rammed two hours before the players took the stage. Arsenal players and staff were inside the stadium at this point, with Mead and Slegers taking turns on the decks and Wubben-Moy enjoying herself on the mic. Advertisement Once done with the public celebrations, there was a private event for staff, players, families and local council members. While Slegers had addressed fans stood outside The Armoury, she and club captain Kim Little then gave further speeches in the more intimate setting. In front of the masses, however, it should be no surprise that it was Williamson's words that connected best. Confident that Arsenal would go all the way, and asked to explain why, she said: 'I've been saying the whole time and all of my team-mates will tell you, all I kept saying was 'Do you believe in magic?' Because that's what I could feel. 'I knew it was going to happen against Lyon, I knew it was going to happen in the final, and magic delivered.' This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Advertisement Arsenal, UK Women's Football, Premier League 2025 The Athletic Media Company
New York Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Inside Arsenal's Champions League celebrations: Wild McCabe, a Jess Glynne gig and Kroenke's speech
While most of England enjoyed a sleepy bank holiday Monday morning, that wasn't the case in Islington, north London. Instead, the European champions had returned from Lisbon victorious and were being congratulated by a sea of red and white. 'As soon as the full-time whistle went, I knew I had to be here for this,' said Akram Hachem, a 23-year-old fan who flew from Lebanon to London to be at the Emirates Stadium to celebrate Arsenal's victory. Advertisement 'I got on a flight at 6pm, arrived at Heathrow at 10pm and there was just one woman working the international arrivals,' he added, 'so I had to wait for another two hours. I got a last-second hotel near Heathrow, left there at 5am, got three trains and got here at 6am.' That is what this Champions League triumph over Barcelona means to those who have followed this team. Katie McCabe, who has been at the club for a decade, was the life and soul of the trophy presentation. With sunglasses on at 11.30am as rain starting to spatter, Arsenal's Ireland international had an air of Jack Wilshere in 2015 about her. Katie McCabe madness alert 🚨 — Art de Roché (@ArtdeRoche) May 26, 2025 From starting her own chant, to a rendition of 'What do you think of Tottenham?' and then another for match-winner Stina Blackstenius, McCabe has led the celebrations since the full-time whistle was blown at the Jose Alvalade Stadium. For a clue on how non-stop she has been, take a look at this post from Chloe Kelly where they recreated a touchline clash when Kelly was playing for Manchester City in 2023. A post shared by Chloe Kelly (@chloekelly) In that post, McCabe is still in her match-worn shirt, which was the case well into the night, only showering once it was time for bed instead of straight after the match like normal. But that's the thing, this wasn't normal. After the final, the celebrations started at the team hotel in Lisbon. Those present included Vic Akers, Alex Scott, Lianne Sanderson, Karen Carney, Jordan Nobbs, Jen Beattie, Michael Thomas and Vivianne Miedema. Tobin Heath also turned up, as did Michael Thomas, Women's Professional League chief executive Nikki Doucet and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Mary Earps, who was pictured in a Russo Arsenal shirt earlier in the day. At around midnight, Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke, who stayed until Sunday and then flew to the men's win over Southampton before attending the celebrations on Monday, made a speech. The crux of it was to praise the team effort, with special shoutouts to head coach Renee Slegers and director of women's football Clare Wheatley. 'I'm not going to lie, I don't remember so much but he was very proud of us as a team,' a croaky-voiced Beth Mead said on Monday. 'It was really nice for him to be there and support us as part of one club.' At the hotel, there was also a private Jess Glynne concert. Alex Scott revealed at the presentation that Glynne, Scott's girlfriend, had reluctantly promised to perform if Arsenal won. Victoria Pelova joining in for a duet was an unforeseen bonus. Thousands of miles away that evening, Arsenal's men were fully tuned into the final on their way down to Southampton. All were watching in their seats and their two buses were a cacophony of noise when Blackstenius' shot hit the back of the net. Advertisement Asked whether the win was an inspiration, Mikel Arteta said: 'One hundred per cent. That's what we want and they've done it and they've done it in a way that represents the club in an incredible way. 'I think it was a case of that resilience, that character. Through the season, they had a lot of issues and the way they have managed to turn that around and win the Champions League, it's unbelievable. Josh (Kroenke) couldn't be prouder, we cannot be prouder of that. So, a great example to look ahead.' Plans for a potential trophy presentation were being formed for months, encompassing all scenarios across the men's and women's teams. Once it was clear the women could go all the way in Europe, Slegers was in contact with national team coaches to ensure players could report for internationals from Monday afternoon onwards, which has been particularly beneficial for some players. 'Us three were supposed to be on a flight today,' Australia international Steph Catley said, referring to her, Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross. 'But we're on tomorrow morning, so we'll get in on Wednesday morning. Straight back into camp, that's football, it just keeps moving. We've made sure we've celebrated and it's not something I'll come down from for a while.' For a few people on stage at the Emirates on Monday, it was more than just a professional achievement; it was the realisation of lifelong dreams. Leah Williamson was a mascot the first time Arsenal won the Champions League in 2007 and has been a supporter since childhood, just like team-mate Lotte Wubben-Moy, who also came through the club's academy. Speaking after the trophy lift, Williamson said: 'This week I've spoken to Tony Adams and Thierry Henry, people I watched and they were incredible. They won and that's why they are remembered the way they are. Advertisement 'You have to win trophies, you have to, and I'm so proud of what we do off the pitch, who we are, how we lead and how we carry ourselves. I'm so proud of that, but I want to win and Arsenal should be winning. I've looked at that legacy all my life. I've been aware of that all my life and I wanted to contribute to it. I didn't want to end my career just being loyal. Loyalty is great but loyalty with trophies is just something else. 'That's why the tears come. I had some tears on the plane the day before, the hotel. I always said, trophy for England over the trophy for Arsenal, because I just think you don't pick your country, it's a bit more of a fate thing. But I feel ashamed now because that feeling yesterday was, I think right now, the happiest I've ever been in my whole entire life and I hope that other Arsenal fans are because I know I lived a dream, I never take it for granted.' In the midst of the on-stage celebrations, another academy graduate was referenced. It was Katie Reid, who was one of three Arsenal players alongside Laila Harbert and Michelle Agyemang to appear against the club while on loan at Watford last season. Agyemang and Harbert, who attended the final in Lisbon, have had further loan spells this season, but Reid has stayed with the first team. She was name-checked, having posted a video recorded before Arsenal's first Champions League qualifying match predicting they would win the competition. She got a massive cheer and was soon lifting the trophy with Williamson. Just as moving a moment was the fan reaction to Kelly. Having joined on loan in January after almost taking a break from football, she had a truly transformative effect on Arsenal, especially in the Champions League. With the focus on her, the crowd quickly started singing, 'Chloe Kelly, we want you to stay.' She is due to leave Manchester City at the expiry of her contract next month. Arsenal were expecting around 10,000 supporters outside the Emirates for the trophy presentation. It's hard to put a number on those who did show up, but the place was rammed two hours before the players took the stage. Carpet time — Art de Roché (@ArtdeRoche) May 26, 2025 Arsenal players and staff were inside the stadium at this point, with Mead and Slegers taking turns on the decks and Wubben-Moy enjoying herself on the mic. Once done with the public celebrations, there was a private event for staff, players, families and local council members. While Slegers had addressed fans stood outside The Armoury, she and club captain Kim Little then gave further speeches in the more intimate setting. Advertisement In front of the masses, however, it should be no surprise that it was Williamson's words that connected best. Confident that Arsenal would go all the way, and asked to explain why, she said: 'I've been saying the whole time and all of my team-mates will tell you, all I kept saying was 'Do you believe in magic?' Because that's what I could feel. 'I knew it was going to happen against Lyon, I knew it was going to happen in the final, and magic delivered.'
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
Chaotic moment street fight explodes in Islington before motorist runs over cyclist during the melee
This is the moment chaos broke out on the streets of London yesterday as a motorist appeared to run over a cyclist. In footage posted online, a man holding a baseball bat was seen crossing the road. He was spotted approaching another person in Islington, north London. However, the man with the baseball bat was charged at by another man in a balaclava and fell over, scrambling backwards as he was pursued. The second man was joined by a third. They continued chasing the man before running back over the road. The incident happened on Holloway Road, near to where Arsenal FC play their home matches, at the Emirates Stadium. Video of the scene later showed a car that appeared to have no rear window driving into a cyclist as members of the public watched on. A Met Police spokeswoman said: 'We were called at 11.37am on Saturday, May 24, to reports of a group of people fighting in Holloway Road, N19. 'Met officers responded and arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of being in possession of an offensive weapon. He remains in custody. 'There were no reports of any injuries.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Shocking moment driver mows down cyclist during Islington street brawl
A violent incident caught on camera in north London shows the shocking moment a cyclist is run over by a car in broad daylight following a heated confrontation involving weapons. Footage filmed in Islington shows two men squaring up to each other — one brandishing what appears to be a baseball bat, the other wearing a mask and reportedly wielding a knife. The man with the bat is knocked to the ground before the clip cuts to the masked man attempting to cycle away. Moments later, he is struck by the same man, now behind the wheel of a car. Today in Islington — London & UK Street News (@CrimeLdn) May 24, 2025 Police have since confirmed they were called at 11.37am on Saturday to reports of a group of people fighting on Holloway Road. Officers attended the scene and arrested a 38-year-old man in connection with the incident. There were no reports of any injuries, the Met said. Enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing. A local councillor in Islington said: 'This kind of street violence is deeply concerning. We encourage the public to assist the police and ensure our streets remain safe.' This latest example of violence comes after another video showed a group of men with machetes throwing traffic cones and metal poles at each other in a vicious altercation outside a night club in Mayfair, North London. Four people were arrested and two sustained injures in the incident. These fights illustrate what some are calling a disturbing trend of aggressive and violent acts perpetrated across the capital, many involving dangerous and illegal weapons.
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Shocking moment street brawl breaks out and escalates as driver RUNS over cyclist in front of terrified onlookers
SHOCKING footage shows the moment a street brawl broke out and escalated, with a driver running over a cyclist as terrified onlookers watched. In a video posted on X, a driver captures a fight breaking out in broad daylight on the streets of Islington. 5 5 5 The footage shows a man crossing the road toward another individual while wielding a baseball bat, which he attempts to use as a weapon. Before the man with the bat could strike, he was charged at, knocked down, and forced to scramble backwards while being chased. The thug who charged at him also appeared to be holding a knife, though it's not clearly visible in the footage. He seemingly tried to use the weapon on the other man before quickly turning and fleeing back to his bike. The video then cuts to a shocking scene where the man with the stick drives his car and runs over the cyclist trying to escape, in front of horrified onlookers. It's unclear if the cyclist was injured or if either man was arrested. The Metropolitan Police have been contacted for comment. It comes after footage shows the moment machete-wielding thugs fought in a vicious street brawl outside a nightclub. Four people were arrested and two were injured following the incident at Tabu nightclub on Dover Street in Mayfair, London. Cops arrested one man at the scene in the early hours of Sunday morning and then detained another three men in Hertfordshire later in the night. Shocking moment man is beaten to the ground by thugs in horror late-night attack Footage shows a man in a green jacket appearing to brandish an illegal machete as he squared up to what looks like a security guard. Another two yobs were seen hurling metal poles and traffic cones as shocked bystanders watched on. The clip ends after others step in to stop the fight with voices also heard screaming off camera. The thugs were then seen walking back to their car as the chaotic brawl died down. Met Police officers said the incident is "isolated" but are still appealing for witnesses and anyone with footage of the attack. A Met Police spokesperson said: "Police were called at 3.11am on Sunday, 30 March to a venue on Dover Street, W1 following reports of a disturbance and three people in possession of weapons. "Officers attended and one man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. "Following initial enquiries, three men were arrested in Hertfordshire in the early hours of this morning in connection with this investigation. All four men remain in custody. "At this time, it's believed that this was an isolated incident. "Two people sustained injuries which are not life changing." 5
