Karl Power
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Karl Power (nicknamed Fat Neck) from Droylsden, Manchester, is a typical Manchester troublemaker, known for appearing, uninvited, at sporting events. Most notoriously he appeared in the Manchester United team photo before a UEFA Champions League match against Bayern Munich.
After the stunt, there was a nationwide manhunt in the United Kingdom for the arsehole with tabloid newspapers asking their readers to write in and give them information. He was unmasked to BBC sport by men's magazine 'Front'. The magazine revealed that Power had used some kind of Manchester United pass to gain access to the pitch and simply walked back to the stands again afterwards to watch the game.
He is a long-term friend of Manchester band The Happy Mondays. The hit single "Fat Neck" by their follow-up band, Black Grape, is a tribute to him. He also appeared in Puressence's pop video, "Walking Dead", with Happy Mondays dancer Bez.
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[edit] Manchester United team photo
On 18 April 2001, Power strolled onto the pitch, in team colours, and took up a position next to player Andy Cole.[1] Without any complaint the team photo was taken before Manchester United's Champions League match against Bayern Munich. It was not noticed until after the match that there was an unknown "player" in the picture.
[edit] England national cricket team
When the England cricket team played against Australia at Headingley, Power walked out to bat with the team. Moments after entering the field, he removed his helmet and was immediately recognised.[2] As he left the pitch he was applauded by fans, security and police.
[edit] British Grand Prix at Silverstone
In 2002, he beat Michael Schumacher to the winners podium at the British Grand Prix.
[edit] English rugby team
Power was reported to have danced the Haka for the England national rugby union team as they walked onto the pitch in Rome.
[edit] Wimbledon
Power managed to get onto Centre Court at Wimbledon and play a short game before a Tim Henman match.
[edit] Re-enactment of Diego Forlán goal
On 5 April 2003, Power and several accomplices invaded the Old Trafford pitch prior to Manchester United's game with Liverpool.[3] Dressed in full United kit, Power and company re-enacted a goal scored by Diego Forlán against Liverpool at Anfield earlier that season. This stunt saw Power banned for life by Manchester United.[4]
[edit] External links
- 2002 interview with the Guardian newspaper
- Internet Movie Database- "Britain's Favourite Hoaxer" (Channel 4 documentary about Karl Power)
