26th November 1997 • The Wizarding World's Beguiling Broadsheet of Choice • 5 κ
PROFESSIONAL QUIDDITCH CANCELLED FOR UK & IRELAND
By Fink Flobberwobble
Due to the explosion that happened on the 24th of November in the match between Puddlemere United and the Falmouth Falcons, the Wizengamot unanimously voted to halt professional Quidditch indefinitely.
A Muggle bomb was found as the explosive device responsible for injuring hundreds and killing two. "The DMLE believes it to have be a terrorist statement against the Ministry's new protocol," says Auror Dawlish.
"The Wizengamot believes that canceling professional Quidditch is the best way to ensure the safety of its citizens," says Wizengamot member Tangwystl Goshawk. "It is unfortunate that we had to come to such a conclusion given that Quidditch provides much of our entertainment, and also contributes to our cultural identity. But the DMLE must take the necessary precautions in this time of war to make certain any potential terrorist attacks can and will be contained."
This has not been the only attack to occur during the Quidditch World Cup, as many remember all too well Riot of the 422nd World Cup in 1994. While most citizens understand the decision made by the Wizengamot, some are still outraged. "I bought seasonal tickets!" says Argo Dodderidge (37). "And the Tutshill Tornadoes had a chance to win the World Cup this year!"
"I don't mind," says Buckley Cooper (43). "Too many were injured in this Anti-Ministry attack, including my own mother. I trust that the Ministry wouldn't do this unless it was absolutely necessary. It's scary to think that there are these kinds of people out there -- people who would harm innocents just to get their pro-Muggle point across."
"If this was supposed to make me sympathetic toward Muggles, the Order of the Phoenix or whoever planted this bomb has another thing coming," says Linda Edgecombe (59). "If they can make one dangerous contraption that can kill hundreds, could you imagine what they would do if the Statute was not in place?"
While initial reports considered terrorist involvement, it is suspected that it was Muggles themselves who made the Qudiditch match their target. It was realized, after the fact, that the protective wards on the stadium were faulty that day. Doubtless these Muggles, dangerous and hateful as all Muggles are, greeted our superior power with violence... [ cont. pg. E4]