Full Breakdown
Racial Abuse Targeted at Security Guard Outside Rochdale Nightclub
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident at Ko-Ko Lounge
On a recent Saturday night outside the Ko-Ko Lounge in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, a video captured a woman shouting racial slurs and making hostile gestures toward a Black security guard. The guard, identified as 20-year-old Jawad Ali, was working for Protective One Security when he asked the woman to move away from an exit. The woman responded with the abusive outburst, which Ali later posted online, stating that such behavior cannot go unchallenged.
Perspectives of Security Staff
Ali reported that over the past two years of working at venue doors he has been subjected to a range of racial slurs and even death threats, leading him to anticipate racial abuse on roughly one of the four nights he works. Fellow security worker Liz Turley, employed by Radius Security, corroborated Ali’s experience, noting that she has never completed a shift without encountering some form of abuse—whether racist, homophobic, or sexist. Both workers expressed concern that abusive language is becoming “normalised” among patrons.
Police Response
Greater Manchester Police confirmed receipt of a report concerning the incident and indicated that investigations are ongoing. The force has not released further details about potential charges or disciplinary action at this stage.
Broader Context of Nightlife Abuse
Ali linked the incident to a wider climate of hostility fueled by online discourse on immigration, specifically referencing narratives about “stopping the boats.” He emphasized his personal and familial ties to the UK, asserting his equal right to work and live in the country. Turley called for members of the public to intervene when they witness such abuse, highlighting a perceived lack of bystander support.
Calls for Action
Both security staff stressed the need for stronger legal repercussions to deter future incidents. Ali urged that cases like his be prosecuted heavily, while Turley advocated for public solidarity with workers facing harassment on the night-life front. The ongoing police inquiry will determine whether the incident leads to formal charges or policy changes within the venue.