Dean Cain has once again sparked controversy. How did we end up here? (Picture: Getty Images)
For millions of 90s TV viewers, Dean Cain embodied the ideal man.
With his movie-star looks, Princeton education, and starring role opposite Teri Hatcher in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Cain became one of the decade’s biggest heartthrobs, helping turn the Man of Steel into appointment television for an entire generation.
At its peak, the show attracted more than 15 million viewers per episode and made Cain a household name.
Three decades later, however, the actor’s public image looks very different.
The backlash began when an X user questioned how Supergirl could have pierced ears if her skin was bulletproof. Another user then replied with an image comparing Alcock to Cha-Ka, a character from the 1970s TV series Land of the Lost.
Cain responded: ‘Dang it… I laughed.’
Dean Cain agreeing with a joke about Supergirl star Milly Alcock’s face has sparked major backlash (Picture: X)
Backlash quickly followed, with many fans pointing out how disappointing it was to see a former Superman actor appearing to join in with a joke at the expense of a 26-year-old actress about to inherit one of DC’s most iconic roles.
Many ritics accused Cain of participating in misogynistic appearance-based mockery and undermining a younger performer, with one writing on Reddit: ‘She is like the most conventionally attractive woman ever. We can’t win,’ while another replied: ‘THIS. RIGHT. HERE. They just hate women. Period.’
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And the backlash did not prove to be a learning experience for Cain.
Since Sunday, the MAGA-supporting actor has replied to or reposted at least 30 posts related to the Supergirl controversy, interspersing them with messages attacking Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner and praising President Donald Trump’s appearance at Monday’s NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden.
Alcock is playing Supergirl in the upcoming film (Picture: Jerod Harris/Getty Images)
The incident is only the latest chapter in a long and increasingly divisive transformation.
How did Dean Cain become famous?
Before Hollywood came calling, Cain looked destined for an entirely different career.
Born Dean George Tanaka in 1966, he excelled academically and athletically, playing football at Princeton University before briefly signing with the Buffalo Bills. A knee injury ended his football ambitions and pushed him towards entertainment instead.
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After a series of commercials and guest appearances, he landed the role that would define his career in 1993.
Cain played Superman in the show Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman from 1993 to 1997 (Picture: Getty Images)
As Clark Kent in Lois & Clark, Cain embodied a softer, more romantic Superman, becoming a fixture on bedroom walls and magazine covers throughout the decade.
The role remains his most famous achievement, despite subsequent appearances in projects including Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and later a return to the Superman universe in Supergirl.
He also became a major heart throb and source of tabloid intrigue, including a six-month relationship with fellow ’90s sex symbol Pamela Anderson at the beginning of her Baywatch run.
He also, famously, dated Brooke Shields during his time at Princeton.
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In recent years, however, Cain has become almost as well known for his political views as for his acting.
What are Dean Cain’s political views?
Cain has become increasingly outspoken about his conservative views in recent years (Picture: Omar Vega/Getty Images)
The actor, who has publicly supported Donald Trump, has increasingly used television appearances and social media to weigh in on culture-war issues.
He said in an interview with Variety: ‘I love President Trump. I’ve been friends with him forever. Trump is actually one of the most empathetic, wonderful, generous people you’ll ever meet.’
He also joined the board of the National Rifle Association, a pro-gun lobby widely accused of preventing gun-sense legislation aimed at halting school shootings, and became a regular voice in conservative media circles.
In a video posted to social media, he encouraged others to sign up too, saying the agency was helping to ‘save America’ and support immigration enforcement efforts.
He said: ‘I am a sworn law enforcement officer, as well as being a filmmaker, and I felt it was important to join with our first responders to help secure the safety of all Americans, not just talk about it. So, I joined up,’ he said.
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‘Since President Trump took office, ICE has arrested hundreds of thousands of criminals, including terrorists, rapists, murderers, paedophiles, MS-13 gang members, drug traffickers…you name it. Very dangerous people who are no longer on the streets.’
He then went on to encourage others to sign up too, pushing how people could ‘earn lots of great benefits and pay’.
As the theme music of Superman played, he told followers: ‘You can defend your homeland for great benefits’. He then cited a $50,000 (£37,000) signing bonus, student loan repayment, enhanced retirement benefits, and special pay.
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Dean then added that ICE was ‘helping save America and remove the worst of the worst from America’s streets’.
‘I like that, and I voted for that. They need your help to protect our homeland and our families. Join today if that’s something that’s tickled your fancy…because we need you.’
Cain had a very high profile relationship with actress Brooke Shields in the 90s (Picture: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
The move generated widespread criticism online, with many pointing to what they saw as a contradiction between Superman’s long-standing status as an outsider seeking acceptance and Cain’s support for an agency frequently criticised by immigration advocates.
Some critics also highlighted Cain’s own experiences with racism after he was cast as the Man of Steel in the 1990s.
In a previous interview with Variety, the actor recalled being targeted with racist abuse shortly after landing the role.
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‘It was 1993 and I remember a fan going, “We wanted Superman, not Sushi Man”,’ Cain said, referencing a comment about his Japanese heritage.
Cain’s biological father was a Japanese-American serviceman, and the actor has previously spoken about navigating prejudice throughout his career. Despite the remark, he insisted he wasn’t offended.
‘For the love of God, he’s a Kryptonian. He could be green. Does it matter,’ he said.
For some former fans, those comments only deepened the irony. As one social media user put it: ‘To make it worse, he’s literally talked about receiving backlash and being given racist nicknames for being a half-Asian Superman actor. And yet here he is endorsing and actively participating in those same systems of bigotry and shaming.’
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What did Dean Cain say about new Superman films?
Cain has previously spoken out about racism he faced early in his career as a half-Japanese actor (Picture: Getty Images)
Ironically, some of Cain’s most controversial comments in recent years have centred on the very character that made him famous.
Ahead of the release of James Gunn’s Superman reboot last year, the actor criticised the director’s description of the character as an immigrant story, accusing Hollywood of making the iconic hero ‘woke’.
Speaking to TMZ, Cain asked: ‘How woke is Hollywood going to make this character?’
He continued: ‘How much is Disney going to change their Snow White? Why are they going to change these characters [to] exist for the times?’
The comments came after Gunn described Superman as ‘the story of America’ and ‘an immigrant that came from other places and populated the country’.
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While Cain acknowledged the character’s origins, he argued there needed to be limits to the comparison.
The actor has even made appearances with the Trumps (Picture: Getty Images)
‘We know Superman is an immigrant – he’s a freaking alien,’ he said.
‘The “American way” is immigrant friendly, tremendously immigrant friendly. But there are rules.’
He added: ‘There have to be limits, because we can’t have everybody in the United States. We can’t have everybody, society will fail.’
The remarks sparked backlash online, with critics pointing out that Superman has long been interpreted as a metaphor for the immigrant experience, dating back to the character’s creation by the sons of Jewish immigrants in the 1930s.
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Cain was one of the biggest heart throbs of the 90s (Picture: ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
The remarks prompted debate among comic-book fans, many of whom pointed out that Superman has always been, quite literally, an immigrant from another planet.
Now Cain finds himself embroiled in another DC-related controversy just weeks before Alcock’s debut as Kara Zor-El in the upcoming Supergirl.
Whether it’s supporting ICE, embracing polarising political causes, or laughing along with jokes aimed at younger actors, Cain has spent much of the last decade alienating sections of the audience that once adored him.
And for some former fans, the sight of yesterday’s Superman taking shots at tomorrow’s Supergirl feels like the saddest twist of all.
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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has outlined the identity verification process for people making a new Universal Credit claim, including which documents can be used as evidence
Linda Howard Money and Consumer Writer
20:00, 10 Jun 2026
Those making a fresh Universal Credit claim may be required to submit specific documentation to confirm their identity, with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) outlining the evidence that can be used online and what occurs should claimants be unable to prove who they are digitally.
Individuals who are unable to verify their identity online may be requested to attend a Jobcentre appointment or furnish additional information before their Universal Credit claim can proceed.
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Identity verification forms a crucial part of the Universal Credit application process, helping to ensure payments reach the correct recipient. The most recent DWP figures reveal that 8.3 million people throughout the UK are receiving financial support via Universal Credit.
According to GOV.UK guidance, people can usually verify their identity online if they have any two of the following:
A valid UK passport
A UK driving licence
Information from recent Self Assessment tax returns
Credit reference information
The online service cross-references information against official records and can help accelerate the application process for new claimants, reports the Daily Record.
However, not everybody will be in a position to verify their identity digitally. The DWP has stated that those who are unable to use the online service may be offered alternative means of confirming their identity.
This can include submitting documents, attending an in-person appointment at a Jobcentre, or completing a biographical interview by telephone.
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Claimants who are requested to attend a Jobcentre interview may be required to bring proof of identity and other supporting documentation with them. The official guidance notes that the precise paperwork required may differ depending on an individual’s personal circumstances and what details the DWP already has on record.
Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit intended to assist those on a low income, those out of employment, or those unable to work with their everyday living costs.
The benefit has now superseded six legacy benefits, including Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit for the majority of working-age claimants.
Those submitting a new claim can begin the process via GOV.UK, where they will be prompted to set up an account and confirm their identity before supplying details regarding their income, savings, housing costs and household situation.
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The DWP has released comprehensive guidance on GOV.UK outlining the documents that can be used to verify identity, along with alternative options for those who are unable to complete the process online.
The industrial metal finishing company has been operating since 1979.
A Staffordshire-based metal finishing firm that has served British industry for over four decades has collapsed into administration.
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Pym & Wildsmith (Metal Finishers) Limited, which dates back to 1979 and is based at Bramshall Industrial Estate near Uttoxeter, appointed administrators on June 3, according to a notice published in the London Gazette.
The firm, which specialises in metal treatment and coating, appointed Mark Blackman and James Saunders of KR8 Advisory as joint administrators.
Pym & Wildsmith has established itself as one of the Midlands’ foremost industrial finishing businesses, offering services including e-coating, powder coating, paint spraying, shot blasting, and pre-treatment. The company has provided services to clients across numerous sectors, including automotive, construction and engineering, defence, energy, rail, architecture, transport and water.
Having been in operation for 47 years, the industrial metal finishing company was originally founded in 1979 by Stephen Pym and Tony Wildsmith.
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The business transitioned from family ownership to 100% employee ownership in 2022, reports the Express.
On its website, the company describes itself as “one of the Midlands’ leading specialist industrial finishing companies”, supplying “high-quality services to a range of blue-chip customers”.
They added: “Pym & Wildsmith has over 45 years’ experience in the provision of high quality industrial finishes to UK industry. Our work can be seen in a variety of contexts, from heavy earth moving equipment to highly specialised small batches.
“We are based at our headquarters in Bramshall, Staffordshire. Therefore, we have access to the UK’s major motorway networks and road system. Our extensive office and manufacturing facilities include an EPD facility, box ovens, spray booths and pickling tanks,as well as a technical department.
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“Over the past 5 years a programme of investment in processes, equipment and technology, has resulted in new products and services, as well as a growth in sales and customers.”
The firm has garnered numerous positive reviews on Google.
One states: “The BEST experience with any finisher. Fantastic customer service. Responsive, organised, never have to chase for an answer and they do what they say they will do. They could not have been better.”
Another added: “Longstanding and successful company. Very professional and quality service.”
This summer’s World Cup will have a very different feel.
Not just because it has expanded to 48 teams, but also because there are a number of rule changes coming into force at the tournament.
Those regulations have been confirmed by FIFA, and many of them concern the way that Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will be used in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The tournament is set to get underway this week, with the first game kicking off on Thursday when Mexico take on South Africa at the Estadio Banorte.
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Here, Standard Sport outlines all the new rules that will be on show at the tournament.
There are three key decisions that VAR currently preside over: goals, penalties and straight red cards.
Now, there will be new scenarios that video assistants can review.
The first is an incorrectly awarded corner, and a check will be made but only if it doesn’t slow down the game’s restart.
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An example would be if a corner is awarded but replays indicate that the final touch came off the attacking player.
The next is fouls that happen before play is started, such as if an attacking player was to bring down his marker before a set piece is taken.
VAR can also review incorrectly given red cards that stem from second yellows, and they can also intervene when a card has been brandished to the wrong player, such as at Stamford Bridge back in 2014 when Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs was wrongfully dismissed after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s deliberate goalline handball.
New rules: VAR will oversee more incidents this summer
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Getty
Players can’t cover their mouths
Away from the VAR booth, there will be strict punishment for players covering their mouths when they communicate on the field.
It is often seen when team-mates and opponents converse, but that will not be allowed to happen at this World Cup, after Gianluca Prestianni’s alleged racial abuse of Vinicius Junior in the Champions League earlier this season.
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The only exception is that if a conversation happens with covered mouths that is deemed to be a friendly interaction, then no action will be taken. Any sense of aggression could see a player shown a red card.
Restarts, substitutions and leaving the field
There will be a five-second countdown for every restart at this summer’s tournament, encompassing goal kicks, free kicks and throw-ins.
Referees will raise their arms to start the count, and if the ball is not back in play at zero, the ball will be turned over. From a goal kick, that would give the attacking team a corner.
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As for substitutions, there is a maximum 10 seconds for a player to exit the pitch and for his replacement to enter the fray.
That enforces substituted players leaving the field by the nearest point of exit.
If that doesn’t happen, then a player will be forced to wait 60 seconds before being able to come on.
Countdown: Referees will limit restart times this summer
Getty
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There is continuity with injured players who have treatment on the pitch will be forced to wait a minute before re-entering the field, although there are exceptions for goalkeepers or those that suffer serious injuries or head collisions, with concussion protocols in place.
Goalkeepers will also be penalised for going down for tactical reasons, with that a hot topic over the recent campaign.
No1s are often instructed by managers to feign injuries so coaches can communicate instructions to their outfielders, but that will be cracked down on at the World Cup.
Outfield players will be told to stay where they are on the pitch, although there are no punishments for players that do move.
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Players who storm off the pitch in protest will also be shown a straight red, and the same will happen to team-mates who encourage it. Should an entire team leave the field of play, the game will be abandoned and the guilty party will forfeit the match.
Cooling breaks: Thomas Tuchel took advantage of the three-minute cooling break in England’s World Cup warm-up match
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As seen in the warm-up friendlies, three-minute water breaks will happen once in each half.
That will be much-needed with the temperatures set to reach record highs in North America.
The officers were injured while carrying out public order duties as disorder broke out
on Tuesday night,
21:34, 10 Jun 2026Updated 21:48, 10 Jun 2026
Police say an 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of riot after two police officers were injured when a petrol bomb was thrown at them.
The officers were injured while carrying out public order duties as disorder broke out i n Carrickfergus on Tuesday night, June 9. One officer was treated at the scene and the other was treated at hospital for their injuries.
The man was arrested at an address in Carrickfergus this afternoon, Wednesday, June 10. He remains in custody at this time.
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PSNI Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray said: “Our officers were working to keep communities safe during disorder and were savagely targeted by a petrol bomb. It was fortunate they weren’t more seriously hurt. No one should be injured for doing their job – particularly when that job is working all hours to keep people from harm. “Our investigation is picking up pace and we will be making more arrests in the days ahead.” Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/. Photos and footage – including CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage – can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at www.mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI26W14-PO1.
England’s final pre-WorldCup friendly against Costa Rica has been delayed after a heavy thunderstorm hit Orlando.
A thunderstorm descended at around 1pm local time and battered the Florida city relentlessly, with torrential rain and lightning filling the skies.
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Thomas Tuchel’s side were due to face the Central American outfit at 4pm eastern time (9pm BST) but the pitch at the Inter&Co Stadium was heavily waterlogged an hour-and-a-half before the start.
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Although the pitch drained quickly, kick-off was still put back by one hour as rain and inclement weather remained in the area.
There will be another delay of 30 minutes if there is a lightning strike within an eight-mile radius of the stadium, though the weather had appeared to clear by 3.30pm local time (8.30pm BST).
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A Football Association statement read: “Following a pitch inspection at the stadium, today’s match against Costa Rica will now kick off at 5pm ET (10pm UK time) – subject to there being no further lightning strikes in the area.”
England fans in the area took shelter where they could, including some going inside a local library, while others had to risk the elements.
Jude Bellingham was named in Tuchel’s starting XI for the game in the No.10 position as he gets a chance to stake his place for a shirt in next week’s opener against Croatia.
Harry Kane again led the line with Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke supporting him, while Declan Rice started alongside Elliot Anderson in midfield.
Bricks, wheelie bins and traffic cones are being launched towards police to the north of Belfast by masked rioters.
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Footage showed rioters wearing face coverings and all-black outfits, advancing towards police on Antrim Road in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, and attempting to hit officers with bricks and other projectiles.
Some rioters could be seen kicking police vehicles although the demonstrators retreated after a water cannon was deployed by riot police.
Police have deployed water cannons on protesters in Co Antrim after they were pelted with bricks in the latest disorder following the Belfast knife attack.
A large vehicle was in flames as demonstrators confronted the police after they gathered near the Sandyknowes roundabout in Newtownabbey to the north of Belfast.
Footage showed dozens of men dressed all in black and wearing face coverings gathering on Antrim Road and throwing objects at a line of eight police vehicles.
Videos shared on social media showed protesters attempting to march to the Chimney Corner Hotel, with riot police and several vans being deployed to manage the demonstrations.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said officers deployed water cannons to maintain public order after missiles were thrown at police.
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In Derry, police reported items having been set alight on the Ardmore Road.
Additional police officers are on the streets in the region following significant unrest on Tuesday night following the brutal attack on Monday.
Public transport was suspended and some schools closed early on Wednesday with fears of a second night of violence.
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Earlier, Hadi Alodid, 30, appeared in court charged with attempted murder over Monday’s knife attack in which victim Stephen Ogilvie lost an eye.
Mr Ogilvie, who is aged in his 40s, remains in a serious condition in hospital in Belfast. It is understood he is in an induced coma.
The reaction to the incident saw mobs set homes, a bus and cars on fire on Tuesday, with people targeted based on their race.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed to “crack down on anyone who is fuelling this division”.
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Alodid appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning charged with the attempted murder of Mr Ogilvie, with threats to kill an NHS radiographer and with possession of a knife.
The court heard Mr Ogilvie lost his left eye and suffered deep cuts to his head, face and back.
District Judge Stephen Keown refused bail after hearing police concerns there could be “significant public disorder” if he was released due to “strong public feeling” about the incident.
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The judge warned that anyone who plans to take part in further disorder in Northern Ireland should “be prepared to go to prison”.
In Westminster, security minister Dan Jarvis said: “Reports that ethnic minorities were targeted are sickening.”
The Prime Minister said the rioting in Belfast was “shocking and completely unacceptable”.
“It is clear that people were targeted last night because of their background and I will not tolerate it,” he said.
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“Those responsible will feel the full force of the law.”
Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said 200 more officers would be on the streets on Wednesday night.
“We will deal with this,” he said.
“We will be on the streets tonight in numbers even more than we were last night, and we have got arrangements in hand to get mutual aid that will be arriving here tomorrow.”
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The force said that following the recent disorder, “some social media users are posting address details online”.
“We have received phone calls from a number of families, house owners, neighbours and members of the wider community who are extremely distressed as a result of this reckless activity,” a spokesperson for the PSNI said.
“This is unacceptable. It is putting lives at risk and has to stop.
“Anyone who shares personal information online with the intention to endanger others may be committing a criminal offence.”
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Mr Jarvis told MPs there had been three arrests “but more will surely follow”.
Mr Ogilvie’s family said in a statement they were “devastated by the horrific attack” but pleaded for calm.
“We are aware of the tensions and talk of protests following this incident,” the statement said.
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“We want to make it absolutely clear that overnight unrest is not welcome, and peaceful protest is the only way forward.
“We have many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country, including in our healthcare system and hospitality sector and we depend on them to make our country work.
“We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility.”
The Three Lions will be deliberating over how quickly to get ready for the warm-up this evening, with the wait for a kick-off time ongoing. Jude Bellingham will certainly want to put in a good impression this evening, and the circumstances ensure that all of the squad have another test to pass in Thomas Tuchel’s eyes.
It might not be the last time the squad are presented with a delay.
He said: “I would like to reassure the community that the local authority and GMP have always worked together to combat any threats to our communities.
“I am sure that GMP are doing everything they can to investigate this issue and I’d like to reassure people there is no immediate threat.
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“People should not be worried about this.”
Further enquiries made by The Bolton News have clarified the circumstances surrounding the item, and there is no indication of any risk to the public.
It is understood that it was a USB battery pack which had been discovered.
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