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Rival Travellers' Brawl Halts Manchester Christmas Market After Videoed Clash

Police arrived after the scuffle had ended, saying neither participant cooperated, leaving no complaint to pursue.

Overview

  • Dougie Joyce and Simon “Simey” McGinley fought in Exchange Square outside Selfridges at about 4:35 p.m. on Sunday, pausing part of Manchester’s Christmas markets.
  • Footage shared online shows the pair grappling and falling to the ground before bystanders separated them as crowds looked on.
  • Greater Manchester Police said the disturbance was over on arrival, both men declined to disclose details, and no arrests or formal complaints were recorded.
  • Both men later posted videos claiming victory and trading insults, with talk of a potential rematch keeping the dispute active online.
  • Reporting places the confrontation in a feud dating back to at least 2016 and notes Joyce’s recent convictions, including a 13‑month sentence for violent disorder in March 2024, as well as his recent public promotion of a whisky brand alongside Liz Truss.