Moment Nicki Minaj fans were told Co-op Live gig was cancelled after two hours of waiting

Several videos have been shared from inside the Co-op Arena this evening showing the moment music fans found out Nicki Minaj’s gig had been cancelled.

The singer was arrested in Amsterdam on Saturday afternoon for alleged possession of ‘soft drugs’ after police searched her luggage ahead of her flight to Manchester for her performance at Co-op Live.

The National Police Corps said the woman, 41, was arrested after allegedly trying to take soft drugs from Schiphol Airport to another country. Dutch media have reported that she had been released, however not in time for tonight’s performance.

Despite doors for the venue opening a couple of hours ago - just after 7pm - it was not until just after 9.30pm that fans were informed the show would not be going ahead. Following the news, fans could be seen leaving the arena and heading out away from the Etihad Campus.

Videos shared to social media and to the Manchester Evening News this evening show the moment fans were informed that the show would not go ahead - despite waiting in the arena for several hours. In one of the videos a tannoy announcement, while fans can be heard shouting and screaming as they exit the venue.

The tannoy announcement stated: “We are deeply disappointed for any inconvenience this may cause. Tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled performance which will be announced asap.

“Despite Nicki’s best efforts to explore every avenue to make tonight’s show happen, the events of today have made it impossible.”

The videos show people inside the bowl area - which ecompasses standing and seating sections - beginning to leave. Many can be seen checking their phones for updates, while others can be heard shouting above the tannoy announcement.

It came after Minaj