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HEADING TO WORK this morning, Bristol man Rayhan Qadar thought he would give his 1,294 followers a laugh… with the above tweet.
The plan backfired. Badly.
Within minutes, 93 retweets had reached the eyes of local police who began to investigate a possible collision.
Great Manchester Police also tweeted the 21 year old about coming forward.
Despite later tweets confirming that he had not hit a cyclist – “Not today. Not ever.” – Qadar was already in hot water.
His employer Hargreaves Lansdown wasn’t impressed. They issued a statement to local press and BBC News stating that the employee had “failed to conduct themselves to the standards we expect of our staff”.
“Upon becoming aware of this issue we have terminated this person’s employment with immediate effect,” the spokesperson for the stockbroker added.
Speaking to the BBC himself tonight, Qadar said the message was a “dumb mistake”.
“A bad joke on my part it seems,” he said earlier on Twitter.
Sorry if anyone thought i actually hit a cyclist. Anyone who follows me on Twitter know 99% of the things I tweet is nonsense.
Following news of his sacking, Twitter has started the backlash to the backlash, claiming the company has overreacted to what was obviously a joke.
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Priti Patel probably eyeing him up for a trip to Rwanda already
@Seamus Quaide: the likes of katie hopkins and gb news will have a field day with this.
@Seamus Quaide: very stupid comment Seamus.
@David Harries: because its inconceivable that someone would be treated differently because of their wealth, status and achievements oh wait this is the UK? I wonder how many brilliant people were sitting on the plane to Rwanda. What this story shows is refugees and illegal immigrates that so many turn their noses up at and critize are just people and desparate people at that. Every person has the potential to be brilliant when they have a safe and loving environment.
What an achievement to become the Great athlete he is. The hardship he faced as a child, many others would have turned to drugs and crime.
@Fr.Todd Unctious: Are you sure about the whole drugs thing?
@Michael Carolan: i he didnt inhale…
Great life story but Definitely on drugs. Admitted so on panorama documentary. All very dubious stuff.
Rife in athletics.
@Wood Jackson: Rife in most sports.
He was on the run
whatever way he ended up in the UK his life has been much better for it
Take a look at Sir Mo Doorbell @modoorbell on Twitter to find the real truth. He is setting himself up for a great fall with this Walter Mitty stuff.
have your say