Old Trafford cancels 'lizard people' conspiracy theorist David Icke talk over anti-Semitism claims

A planned talk by controversial conspiracy theorist David Icke at Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium has been cancelled following complaints.

Icke, best known for believing that the world is controlled by shape-shifting lizard-people, is on tour promoting his latest book Everything You Need to Know but Have Never Been Told and has already played in Edinburgh and London.

The venue for the events were not made public, but Icke was to be hosting a talk along with a three-course meal at Old Trafford on 17 November.

Campaign groups urged the event to be cancelled due to Icke's previous alleged anti-Semitic theories, including questioning the recognised history of the Holocaust and claiming the world is governed by the "Rothschild Zionists".

Icke has also hosted several blogs on his website which claim to expose the "uncomfortable truth" about the Manchester Area terror attack in which 22 people were killed, including one entitled "Israel quick to exploit Manchester bombing".

Kate Green, the Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston where Old Trafford is situated, said she had got in touch with Manchester United about the talk after her constituents "raised concerns".
Kate added that she was "pleased" that Icke's event has since been cancelled.

Responding to the cancellation, Icke said that Manchester United have shown "absolute contempt" for the for the "basic human right of free expression".

He added: "They have done so on the back of lies told to them by the ultra-Zionist hate group and enemy-of-freedom Labour Party MP, Kate Green, the member for Stretford and Urmston."

The Campaign Against Antisemitism charity (CAAT) said it is "disgraceful" that one of the world's most prominent sport stadiums was providing Icke with a platform.

Stephen Silverman, director of investigations and enforcement for CAAT, said: "David Icke is an anti-Semitic hate-preacher who peddles the some of the same conspiracy theories that led to the Holocaust.

"Consequently, venues are increasingly cancelling or refusing to accept bookings for his shows. It is shocking that Manchester United, one of the country's most iconic sporting institutions is willing to give him a platform, whether he intends to use it to promote his repugnant views about Jews or not.

"The directors of Manchester United have claimed to back the 'Kick It Out' campaign to kick racism out of football, and if their words are to be believed then they must now act to cancel this event."

In a tweet, Kick It Out said: "Whilst we are concerned that David Icke was allowed to book an event at Old Trafford in the first place, we are pleased the appropriate action has been taken by Man Utd and the event has been cancelled.

"Antisemitism has no place in football or wider society.

Icke has already appeared at the Troxy Threatre in east London during his tour. The theatre, which also did not advertise the show on its website, defended the show, saying it was booked via an external promoter and people could choose not to go.

A spokesperson said: "We are committed to offering a varied programme of events and as an organisation we operate under a principle of free expression, allowing the public the opportunity to decide if a show is or isn't something they wish to see."

North West Friends of Israel have previously forced the cancellation of Icke's events at the Lowry Hotel in Salford, Sheffield City Hall and the Gladstone Theatre in Wirral after raising concerns.

IBTimes UK is awaiting comment from Old Trafford.