A dad has blasted the security at the AO Arena after a ‘brawl’ broke out during a Duran Duran gig.
The incident, on Saturday (April 29), led to the man and his family leaving the concert just a few songs in. Now, Robert Motley has asked the Arena for a refund — and taken bosses to task over security at the event.
The 58-year-old travelled to see the 80s legends from Lytham St Anne’s, Lancashire, with his wife and two grown-up daughters. However, their trip to Manchester was ruined by ‘a brawl’, he told the Manchester Evening News.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
“There was a couple sat in front of us,” said Robert. “They were in their 50s, having a good time, taking selfies before Duran Duran came on. A couple of rows in front of him was a younger lad, he got up [once the band came on-stage].
“The older guy shouted at him to sit down and he did. Then he did it again and there was an obscene exchange. After the third time, they started to brawl.
“The old fella went from zero to 100. I think the younger guy was goading him, but the older guy was wanting to cause trouble.”
Robert added that the scene looked like ‘a wrestling match’. He went on: “It was over two rows, and they were trying to throw punches but grabbing each other's arms to stop.
“The language was appalling. I had to try and shield my wife. I could not leave her.”
During the incident, one of Robert’s daughters went to find a security guard — but had a long search, he claimed. “She had to go all the way down to the foyer area, where the bars are,” he said.
“When we first went in there someone was getting people to their seats [but by now they had gone]. There was nobody in our section at all from security.
“What they told the older man is that the CCTV would be focusing on him — I find that a little far-fetched.”
The incident ‘traumatised’ Robert and his wife, he added, meaning they decided to leave after just a few songs. He explained why: “We left 5 or 10 minutes after the brawl.
“There was an atmosphere. Once some thinking like that happens, you are hyper-aware of it.”
A spokesperson for the AO Arena confirmed they received one report of a ‘customer behaviour’ incident, and apologised to Robert and his family. A statement said: “We received one report of an isolated, customer behaviour related incident.
“This was dealt with swiftly by our security team who provided immediate assistance and advice. We extend our apologies to anyone whose night was spoiled due to the behaviour of another guest.”
ShowSec, the firm which provides security for the AO Arena, has been contacted for comment.
READ MORE:
Manchester tea rooms named among most Instagrammable in the whole world
"Most colourful exhibition of the year" coming to Salford direct from Paris in UK art exclusive
Inside new "Insta-perfect" pink cake cafe EL&N at Trafford Palazzo
'I tried a lounge at Manchester Airport and couldn't believe what I got for the price'
'I found some of Manchester's most exciting food in a backstreet café with a wonky roof'
