There was traffic chaos in south Manchester on Thursday night (January 19) as crowds stormed Wilmslow Road. Supporters waved the flag of Iraq in the air in a seeming celebration to the country's national football team being crowned Gulf Cup champions after defeating Oman.
Buses and cars became gridlocked along the packed-out curry mile, in Rusholme, from around 7pm. Video footage showed large numbers of people gathering and filming on their mobile phones.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police were also on the scene to help manage the crowds, as cars honked their horns and crowds cheered in what appeared to be elation at the victory.
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On Thursday night, MancTraffic tweeted that Wilmslow Road had become 'very congested' after the 'large crowds' gathered. Drivers were urged to find alternate routes as bus providers also warned of delays.
GoNorthWest was among those, posting: "Diversions are in place on the 41 CrossCity and 53 Orbits because of an unscheduled event ongoing in Rusholme. Services will use the Fri-Sun Diversion until further notice."
Somebody else, who was caught up in the crowds, posted on Twitter that there was 'something going on in Rusholme' with 'lots of shouting' and that 'the police have turned up'. Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for further details.
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