A popular Manchester Christmas market was thrown into chaos and brought to a complete standstill after a violent public fight erupted between two feuding men.
Chaos in Exchange Square
The disturbance took place outside the Selfridges store in Exchange Square at 4.35pm on Sunday, November 23. Shocked onlookers watched as Dougie Joyce, who was recently released from prison, clashed with his long-time rival, Simon ‘Simey’ McGinley.
Footage of the incident, which was widely shared online, showed the pair trading blows before grappling with each other and falling to the ground. The video captured Joyce shouting, 'get it up there son - who are you?' before aiming several punches at McGinley. Others eventually moved in to separate the two men, who then disappeared into the crowd.
War of Words Erupts Online
Following the scrap, both men took to social media to claim victory and continue their war of words.
In a video message, McGinley, who appeared to be on a train, taunted Joyce, calling him a 'blackguard'. He showed the camera a close-up of his face, claiming, 'there's nothing there. There's not a black eye'. He boasted, 'I knocked you out on your a**e with two or three belts' and even suggested a rematch with Joyce's cousin, Tommy Joyce, acting as referee.
Later the same night, Joyce posted a six-minute audio rant from what appeared to be his car as he drove away from the city centre. He claimed McGinley had headbutted him without warning. Laughing, Joyce stated, 'The beating that I give Simey McGinley... he didn't know what day it was.' He challenged McGinley to another fight the following morning, claiming he had knocked his rival 'spark out'.
Police Response and Aftermath
A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police confirmed that officers were called to reports of a disturbance in Exchange Square at the time of the incident. However, by the time they arrived, the altercation was over.
Officers spoke to both men involved, but neither would disclose any details about the fight and no formal complaints were made. The police did not make any arrests in connection with the event.
The brawl caused significant disruption to the festive atmosphere, halting the busy Christmas market and alarming families and visitors who were present to enjoy the seasonal attractions.
