Newcastle United's Joe Willock Embroiled in Fake News Scandal

Strategic Insights -

Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock recently found himself at the centre of a fabricated story that circulated widely, including on BBC Radio One. The made-up tale claimed that Willock had to be rescued from York Maze, a large maze in the UK, after becoming lost for six hours. However, the story was entirely fabricated by Newcastle United social media prankster Francis Chipp, also known as 'Big Frank,' who has a history of creating and sharing false news on his social media accounts.

Key Takeaways:

  • Joe Willock, a Newcastle United midfielder, was the target of a fabricated story claiming he had to be rescued from York Maze.
  • The story was created and shared by Francis Chipp, a well-known Newcastle United social media prankster who has a history of making up and sharing false news.
  • The fake story was shared on BBC Radio One's The Rickie, Melvin and Charlie Show, where hosts discussed the tale as if it were fact, despite the lack of evidence.
  • Co-host Melvin Odoom brought up the story to prompt a discussion about getting lost in unique places, but later clarified that it was likely made-up.
  • The mistake was quickly pointed out on social media, with the show's producers acknowledging that they had been misled by the fake news story.
  • Francis Chipp's social media profile bio explicitly warns readers that everything he posts is made-up, but that did not prevent the BBC from sharing the story.

Statistics:

  • 6 hours: The amount of time Joe Willock was said to have been lost in York Maze according to the fabricated story.
  • 5pm: The time at which the distress call was allegedly made to emergency services, according to the fake news story.
  • 1: The number of times the story was shared on BBC Radio One, with hosts discussing it as a real event.

Sources:

  • (The Gazette) - NUFC WhatsApp channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone.
  • (The Gazette) - Big Frank goes viral once again.
  • (The Shield Gazette) - Joe Willock fake news makes its way to BBC Radio One.
  • (The Shield Gazette) - Football is BACK - subscribe to our Newcastle United newsletter for all the news straight to your inbox.
  • (BBC Radio One) - The Rickie, Melvin and Charlie Show.