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      What Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo said about Wayne Rooney’s career as Man Utd icon retires to become Derby boss

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      LIONEL MESSI and Cristiano Ronaldo both hailed Wayne Rooney’s career and talent before his retirement.
      The Manchester United and England record goalscorer, 35, hung up his boots after a stellar 19-year career.

      Cristiano Ronaldo hailed his former team-mate Wayne Rooney for his talent, mentality and careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He has now been appointed permanent Derby manager after a successful caretaker spell at Pride Park.
      Rooney won 16 trophies with Manchester United including five Premier Leagues, Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup, FA Cup and three League Cups.
      But it was his raw talent that saw him burst on to the scene as a teenager at Everton before earning his big-money move to Old Trafford.
      And with 11 Ballons d’Or between them, Ronaldo and Messi certainly know how to recognise greatness.

      Ronaldo and Rooney were team-mates under Sir Alex Ferguson at United, winning three league titles in a row together.
      Speaking in 2015, the Portuguese star told Goalhanger: “For me the power of Wayne Rooney is his mentality and strength.
      “He never stops, he always runs, helps the team. He’s a fantastic team player and he scores goals.
      “He scored important goals, for me he’s fantastic. He was the kid of England. Everyone loved him. He is a fantastic boy, fantastic player.

      LIVERPOOL VS MAN UTD: GET 40/1 ON A PENALTY FOR EITHER TEAM

      “I used to call him, between me and my mates, the pitbull. I remember when he lost the ball he was so powerful, a strong guy, he shoots unbelievable.”
      Ronaldo added that he ‘misses playing with him’ and hoped to one day take to the field alongside the former England captain again.
      Messi, meanwhile, came up against Rooney three times.
      The England legend earned one draw – a 0-0 in the first leg of the 2008 Champions League semi-finals – but lost both the finals against Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona in 2009 and 2011.
      Argentine hero Messi added on Rooney in an interview with Coach Magazine: “Over the years we have faced many British teams in Europe and come up against many good players.
      “But I have always had a big respect for Wayne Rooney.
      “He has played at the highest level for many years and is one of the special players of the generation.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Lionel Messi labelled Rooney as a ‘special player’ with the pair locking horns on three occasionsCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      Rooney signed a two-and-a-half-year contract to become the permanent Derby bossCredit: Reuters

      Wayne Rooney named permanent Derby manager as Man Utd legend retires from playing to sign two-and-a-half-year deal More

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      Stoke keeper Joe Bursik named after grandad Josef who was renowned Czechoslovakian war hero honoured by Stalin

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      JOE BURSIK is well aware of the true meaning of valour.
      So, while he is rightly pleased with himself for holding the fort at Stoke, he knows his efforts are nothing compared to the incredible exploits of his grandad.

      Joe Bursik was named after his heroic grandad Josef, a World War II heroCredit: Phil Greig 2020

      The Czechoslovakian icon fought alongside the Russian army to help defeat the Nazis before escaping prison

      The goalkeeper was named after Josef Bursik, a Second World War hero and Czechoslovakian icon.
      Joe Jr was brought up on stories of the highly decorated tank commander who fought alongside the Russian army against the Nazis.
      Yet the reward for the major general’s great bravery was jail after he was denounced as an anti-communist.
      He was found guilty of what the Soviet Union deemed to be high treason in 1949 for asking to be demobbed and was originally sentenced to ten years.

      The term in the feared Czech maximum security Mirov prison was increased by four years after he failed in an appeal against the verdict.
      Having also contracted tuberculosis, that added up to what could easily have been a death sentence.
      Yet he figured in his own version of The Great Escape after being transferred to Olomouc Hospital for treatment of his illness in 1950.
      He even used a motorbike for his getaway after doctors helped him to dupe guards by giving him an injection that brought on a fever.

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      But unlike the Hollywood movie’s hero played by Steve McQueen, he made it to freedom by crossing the border to Germany.
      His grandson cannot hide the pride he feels for the veteran, who sadly passed away two years after Joe Jr was born.
      Bursik, 20, said: “There was never any question in my dad’s mind of what my Christian name would be.
      “I’m so glad I have it and that I can further the name of Josef Bursik.
      “Of course, I was so young when he died I didn’t know him, but his memory and what he did and stood for burns bright in our family.
      “My dad and me often go to Prague for breaks in the summer and I remember when we would first make those trips together.
      “We would be booking into a hotel and my father would be asked for his surname.
      “Whenever the name Bursik came up there was always a feeling of awe from the people when we were checking in or if we were making a hotel reservation.

      Bursik was on loan at Doncaster before being recalled by StokeCredit: Phil Greig 2020

      The young goalkeeper conceded three in his first two games back but has since kept seven clean sheetsCredit: Phil Greig 2020
      “The Bursik name has a real buzz still in the Czech Republic — people and family don’t forget over there.”
      The youngster is making quite a fist of upholding the name of the man who Stalin made a Hero of the Soviet Union for helping liberate Kiev.
      He was called back from a loan at Doncaster after Stoke boss Michael O’Neill suffered a goalkeeping crisis that saw his seniors fall like ninepins through injury.
      Things started badly as Bursik conceded three goals in a 4–3 win against Huddersfield, followed by a 3–2 loss to Norwich.
      But he did not fall away and now has seven clean sheets, including four in a row.
      O’Neill said: “Joe’s very sharp around his penalty box. He has everything you’d look for in a modern goalkeeper.
      “He’s good with the ball at his feet. He’s a confident boy and it’s good to see a young goalkeeper produce the level of performance that he’s had.”
      Bursik makes his 14th appearance since that emergency recall against Blackburn today, having first underlined his ability by helping England win the Under-17s World Cup.

      Every time I take the pitch I know what I’m carrying for my family — the honour of a great war hero who was so brave. Every time I play my grandad is an inspiration.
      Joe Bursik

      There is an Under-21 cap to be proud of too. And the Lambeth-born lad, who started out at Wimbledon, wants to follow in the footsteps of his other great hero, Petr Cech.
      Bursik was actually a winger at the Dons before being asked to don the goalie gloves.
      He said: “I grew up as a Chelsea fan and idolised Cech.
      “We were — and still are — season-ticket holders at Stamford Bridge and I always got there early just to watch him warm up.
      “I’d love to meet him one day because he has been such a big influence on me.
      “If I could ever get near what he’s achieved in the game then I would know I’d made it.”
      Bursik knows that his grandad would be proud too.
      He also received the Czech War Cross for bravery, as well as the Order of the Red Star at Sokolovo.

      Petr Cech was Bursik’s hero growing up as a Chelsea season-ticket holderCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      After he reached Germany with his wife they moved to England in 1955, when his record was expunged from Czech history.
      But following the fall of communism his honours were restored and upon his death in 2002 he was given the Order of the White Lion, the highest honour available in the Czech Republic.
      Joe added: “Every time I take the pitch I know what I’m carrying for my family — the honour of a great war hero who was so brave.
      “Every time I play my grandad is an inspiration.
      “No matter what I achieve he always will be — and I would never have it any other way.”

      He started out with AFC Wimbledon as a winger before taking the glovesCredit: Rex Features

      Potters boss Michael O’Neill has been impressed with the goalkeeper’s performancesCredit: Rex Features More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson says Wayne Rooney has the ‘presence’ to be a top boss as Man Utd legends retires to take Derby job

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON believes Wayne Rooney has the skills to become a successful manager.
      Rooney, 35, officially retired yesterday to become full-time boss of Championship Derby, signing a deal until the summer of 2023.

      Sir Alex Ferguson thinks Wayne Rooney has what it takes to become a top managerCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      England and Manchester United’s record goalscorer had a glittering playing career, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League under Sir Alex at Old Trafford.
      And Ferguson said: “His knowledge of the game is not in question and he has a presence about him.
      “I really do hope he goes well. It is a big step early on. He is a wealthy young man and doesn’t need to go into management to look after the family.
      “He wants to do it and that’s the important thing.

      “There is no point being a manager because someone has asked you to.
      “He knows more than most that he needs results. He has started well and it is what he wanted so hopefully he does well.”
      Rooney, who replaced the sacked Phillip Cocu in November, has overseen nine games, winning three and drawing four.
      And current United boss and former team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also believes he has what it takes to be a success.

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      He said: “Great news for Wayne and I really wish him all the best.
      “I think he’s got everything going for him to be a good manager.
      “He’s had a very good career, he’s got a very good personality and he wants success.
      “He’s played under some top managers and I’m sure he’s over the moon at the moment, so congratulations to him.”
      David Moyes was Everton boss when Rooney burst on to the scene as a precocious 16-year-old.
      Rooney, who also played for DC United in the US, is now joining his mentor in the coaching ranks.
      West Ham boss Moyes said: “It makes me feel old when I think he was 16 — where have all the years gone that he is now starting his career in management?
      “Wayne has had enough experience as a player to see good things, but he has to watch out that he doesn’t fall into the category of being a good player who doesn’t become a good manager.

      Wayne Rooney’s playing career

      Wayne Rooney has retired from playing after an illustrious 19-year career.

             Games Goals
      Everton (2002-04) 77 17
      Man Utd (2004-17) 559 253
      Everton (2017-18) 40 11
      D.C United (2018-20) 52 25
      Derby (2020) 35 7
      TOTAL        763 313
      International
      England (2003-18) 120 53

      “He needs to learn a completely different skill set. He should watch that he doesn’t try to do things too quickly.
      “Quite often you need to earn your stripes as a manager. It doesn’t happen often that you get things right straightaway.
      “Most managers have worked their way up and learnt how to do things at a lower level.”
      In similar fashion to Rooney, Moyes finished playing at Preston and then managed the club before moving to Everton and then teaming up with his former striker again at Old Trafford.
      And Moyes believes the young manager has the strength of character to dish out the hairdryer treatment when needed.
      Moyes added: “Wayne is a winner all day long.
      “When he left Everton he was only a boy, by the time I got to United he was a winner.
      “I can imagine him demanding high standards from the players. The biggest thing Wayne has is his attitude.
      “I always say to my players to do their badges early, go on the coaching courses early and don’t hang about because sometimes it is too late.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Wayne Rooney says he can help Derby move forward as new manager More

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      English football will remember the name Wayne Rooney – Man Utd icon was a great goalscorer and scorer of great goals

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      SO one of the most glorious careers in English football history ended, without fanfare, in a 3-0 Championship defeat for Derby County at Middlesbrough in November.
      After that ignominious loss, Derby’s players were blasted for their ‘unacceptable’ attitude by Liam Rosenior, one of a four-man interim coaching team.

      Wayne Rooney scored some of the finest goals of the modern eraCredit: Action Images – Reuters

      The Merseyside-born teenager burst onto the scene with this screamer against ArsenalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Six weeks later, Wayne Rooney, another of that caretaker quartet, has accepted the Pride Park manager’s job on a full-term basis and officially ended an extraordinary 19-year playing career.
      It all began in October 2002, with an exhilarating first Premier League goal – Rooney curling in a 30-yard last-minute winner for Everton, which crashed off the underside of the bar to beat an Arsenal team, who would be invincible the following season.
      That goal arrived five days short of his 17th birthday, making him the youngest Premier League goalscorer at the time, and prompting commentator Clive Tyldesley to exclaim ‘Remember the name – Wayne Rooney!’
      English football will never forget the name. Indeed, it would be by far the most-mentioned name in our game for the next decade and a half.

      Rooney would go on to become the record goalscorer for both England’s national team and its most famous club, Manchester United.
      In doing so he overhauled the achievements of Sir Bobby Charlton in both instances, with a penalty against Switzerland in 2015 and with a brilliant free-kick at Stoke in 2017.
      He scored 53 times in 120 matches for England, 253 in 559 for United and 313 in 763 senior matches overall.
      With 208 Premier League goals, Rooney stands second only to Alan Shearer.

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      Yet Rooney was far more than an out-and-out scorer – a creative No 10 who would spend most of his last four years in a deeper midfield role.
      And he was not just a great goalscorer but a scorer of truly great goals too.
      That first one, past David Seaman at Goodison Park. The stunning acrobatic volley to settle a Manchester derby in 2011.
      A ridiculous 50-yarder at West Ham’s Upton Park. Those volleys against Fenerbahce, on his United debut, and Newcastle the year after.
      Few have scored so many goals and few have scored so many memorable ones either.
      Yet there is somehow still a feeling – incredible but genuine – that Rooney was not quite as great as we had imagined he might be.
      Rooney had been hyped, long and hard, even before his Everton debut, so astonishing was his talent.
      Angelic feet which belied his bullish physique, which in turn, belied his tender years.

      This iconic strike against Man City was arguably his greatest ever goal
      To have witnessed Rooney tearing it up for England, while still a teenager at Euro 2004, was to imagine a future all-time world great.
      And Rooney was never quite that. Chiefly because of his inability to inspire England, or even to seriously impress individually, at any of his five subsequent tournaments.
      Rooney is a contemporary of his former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo andtwo years older than Lionel Messi. We imagined him at their stratospheric levels but perhaps those expectations were always too extreme.
      Yet on a week-in, week-out basis, Rooney delivered for United – winning five Premier League titles, a Champions League, three League Cups and an FA Cup in 2016, which was so long-awaited that he regards it as his career highlight.
      His career included several great controversies – magnified by his extreme celebrity.
      There was a costly red card against Portugal in the 2006 World Cup quarter-final and a transfer request in an apparent attempt to force a move across Manchester to City.
      Then there were off-field indiscretions in his early years, and others which helped cut short his England career and a stint in Major League Soccer with DC United.
      As Sir Alex Ferguson often said, Rooney was not a natural athlete, and neither was he always a consummate professional.

      The Three Lions’ record goalscorer has been appointed permanent manager of Derby

      Wayne Rooney’s playing career

      Wayne Rooney has retired from playing after an illustrious 19-year career.

             Games Goals
      Everton (2002-04) 77 17
      Man Utd (2004-17) 559 253
      Everton (2017-18) 40 11
      D.C United (2018-20) 52 25
      Derby (2020) 35 7
      TOTAL        763 313
      International
      England (2003-18) 120 53

      Yet there was always a deep and obvious love for the game, and an unmistakable commitment out on the field, which should serve him well as a manager.
      Rooney was a thrilling player, a genuine street footballer and a supreme filler of onion bags.
      And if he didn’t become quite the player we had hoped, then he did become a more impressive man than we’d supposed.
      This was a monosyllabic Croxteth kid who would become an articulate captain of England and United.

      Wayne Rooney’s best career goals

      HERE are SunSport’s favourite Rooney goals

      EVERTON v Arsenal 2002
      A 16-year-old Rooney brilliantly controlled a long ball before curling a shot past England keeper David Seaman off the the underside of the bar.
      MAN UTD v Newcastle 2005
      The United striker was whinging at the referee before springing to life and walloping a first time volley from 25 yards into the top corner.
      MAN UTD v Man City 2011
      Some argue it came off his shin but nonetheless Rooney’s bicycle kick, from Nani’s deflected looping cross, against United’s noisy neighbours is a classic.
      Brazil v ENGLAND 2013
      Rooney’s curling strike was a goal fit for the iconic Maracana and left the Samba stars stunned.
      West Ham v MAN UTD 2014 & EVERTON v West Ham 2017
      Rooney hammered the Hammers from inside his own half TWICE – one a volley at Upton Park for United, the other an arrowed finish at Goodison.

      In his earlier years, few would have foreseen Rooney as a manager.
      But in his latter years, it was difficult to believe that this day wouldn’t arrive.
      Rooney has improved Derby’s fortunes since becoming their sole caretaker manager and now he assumes permanent responsibility at a big club, during uncertain times.
      Should he be half as successful in the dugout as he was on the pitch, then he will be a seriously good manager.
      And as Rooney signs off from such a monumental playing career, with talk of ‘if onlys’, then that is probably our fault rather than his.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Wayne Rooney says he can help Derby move forward as new manager More

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      Wayne Rooney retires as Man Utd and England’s top goalscorer after calling time on his illustrious 18-year career

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and England legend Wayne Rooney has called time on his illustrious playing career to become manager of Derby County.
      Rooney, 35, scored an all-time record 53 goals for England and is also United’s record scorer with 253.

      Man Utd and England legend Wayne Rooney has retired from playing Credit: AFP or licensors

      The Three Lions’ record goalscorer has been appointed permanent manager of DerbyCredit: AFP or licensors

      He joined Derby in a player-coach capacity a year ago from MLS side DC United and made 35 appearances for the club.
      Rooney had been interim manager at Derby since the club sacked Dutchman Phillip Cocu in November.
      The Merseyside born striker began his playing career with boyhood club Everton, and announced himself on the English stage in spectacular fashion.
      He was 16 years and 360 days old when he scored his first Premier League goal – for Everton against Arsenal in October 2002 – making him then the youngest goalscorer in the competition’s history.

      Sven-Goran Eriksson gave Rooney his first England cap at just 17.
      The teenager responded by lighting up Euro 2004 in his first major tournament appearance before being sidelined by an injury.
      In the same summer he moved to Manchester United for £26million, breaking the record transfer fee for a teenager.
      Rooney enjoyed great success at Old Trafford, and is the only player to have scored more than 250 goals for the Red Devils, eclipsing Sir Bobby Charlton’s record in 2017.

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      The 35-year-old quits as Man Utd’s highest ever goal scorerCredit: AFP or licensors

      He only won the FA Cup once – in 2016Credit: PA:Empics Sport

      One of his lowest points was being sent off in a World Cup quarter-final against PortugalCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      He was judged to have stamped on Man Utd team-mate Cristiano RonaldoCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      He won five Premier League titles with Man Utd plus the Champions League in 2008.
      In 2017 he returned to Everton, before moving to DC United in 2018.
      Rooney was sadly never able to replicate his incredible displays at Euro 2004 at a future tournament, and was sent off during England’s World Cup quarter-final defeat to Portugal in 2006.
      He did however become the Three Lions’ record goal-scoring with 53 strikes.
      He is also England’s most capped outfield player, with 120 international appearances, five short of Peter Shilton’s overall record.
      West Ham boss David Moyes gave Rooney his debut as a 16-year-old at Everton and also managed him at Old Trafford.
      Moyes said: “I knew him as a boy and he was a tremendous young player, someone who we were amazed with his abilities for someone so young.
      “From 16 onwards, we got him his debut and everyone knows his career from then. Manchester United’s leading goalscorer, England’s leading goalscorer. So he’s had an incredible career.

      This iconic strike against Man City was arguably his greatest ever goalCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      The striker spent 13 years at Man Utd from 2004-17Credit: AFP or licensors

      He won a staggering 17 trophies at Old Trafford including four Charity Shield’s and the Fifa Club World CupCredit: AFP or licensors

      The former England captain scored a record 53 goals for his countryCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Wayne Rooney’s playing career

      Wayne Rooney has retired from playing after an illustrious 18-year career with the following clubs.

      Everton 2002-04
      Manchester United – 2004-17
      Everton – 2017-18
      DC United – 2018-20
      Derby County – 2020-21

      “If he’s chosen to stop playing I’m sure it will be for the right reasons and because he wants his future to be in management.
      “He’s going into a different world now completely and not all the best players have gone on to be the best managers.
      “But Wayne’s love of the game, his drive, just his attitude will give him every chance of being successful.”
      Rooney’s retirement was recognised by the England official Twitter account, which posted: “A #ThreeLions legend.
      “Congratulations on a fantastic playing career, @WayneRooney! Wishing you all the best in management.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Rooney signed for United in 2004 and he had a tumultuous relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson during his time thereCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Rooney never reproduced his Euro 2004 form for England at a major tournamentCredit: AFP or licensors

      He played for boyhood club Everton either side of his spell at Man UtdCredit: AFP or licensors

      The Toffees fan burst onto the scene at Goodison Park in 2002Credit: PA:Empics Sport

      He won the 2008 Champions League with Man Utd – his first of two European trophiesCredit: AFP or licensors

      The prolific front-man won the 2010 PFA Players’ Player of the Year awardCredit: PA:Empics Sport

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      Wayne Rooney reveals he was keen to swap Manchester United for Barcelona in 2010 More

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      QPR vs Wycombe SUSPENDED following coronavirus outbreak in visitors’ squad as Covid continues to disrupt football

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      WYCOMBE’S trip to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday has been postponed following a coronavirus outbreak.
      The Wanderers have returned a number of positive test results on the eve of the Championship match.

      Wycombe have confirmed an outbreak of coronavirus cases in their squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And EFL bosses had no choice but to call off the game at Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.
      On Friday morning, a statement was released announcing the clash had been ‘suspended’.
      Wycombe confirmed: “The Club informed the EFL that they would be unable to fulfil the fixture following recent positive COVID-19 tests and the requirement for players and staff to self-isolate as per EFL and Government guidance in order to mitigate against the risk of further infection.
      “The circumstances surrounding the postponements will now be the subject of an investigation in accordance with EFL Regulations.

      “Revised dates for the rearranged fixture will be confirmed in due course.”
      The game is the second to be called off in the Championship this weekend after Brentford’s trip to Reading was also postponed.

      QPR have already had one game knocked back, with a trip to Luton rearranged for Tuesday night and a 2-0 win secured by new signing Charlie Austin.
      Only 31 EFL clubs returned zero positive test results in last week’s round of testing, which showed 123 cases of the virus.

      League Two leaders Carlisle have seen games against Mansfield, Leyton Orient and Forest Green called off following an outbreak in their camp.
      However, Derby were given the all-clear to return to training on Tuesday after a spate of cases in their squad.
      The Rams were one of a handful of teams to put out a youth side in the FA Cup last weekend, as they lost 2-0 to non-league Chorley.
      Aston Villa also fielded kids against Liverpool amid a series of postponements in their Premier League schedule.

      Games against Tottenham and Everton have been suspended as the pandemic bit hard on Dean Smith’s side.
      Football bosses are demanding increased flexibility from clubs to fit matches in, with Fulham’s postponed match at Tottenham rearranged at short notice in midweek.
      Leeds’ game with Southampton has also been moved around, to allow Saints to play Shrewsbury in the FA Cup after the League One side suffered an outbreak.
      Public Health England announced 1,248 deaths from coronavirus across the UK on Thursday with 48,682 new cases.

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      James McClean suspended by Stoke over alleged coronavirus rules breach and will miss Blackburn clash

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      STOKE have suspended Republic of Ireland international James McClean over an alleged breach of coronavirus rules.
      The winger will miss Saturday’s Championship clash against Blackburn while the club launch an investigation.

      James McClean will miss Stoke’s game this weekend over an alleged rule breachCredit: Alamy Live News

      A Stoke statement read: “We can confirm James McClean has been suspended with immediate effect pending a disciplinary hearing into an alleged breach of Covid-19 regulations, namely training in a private gym.
      “As a result of the suspension, McClean will not be available for selection for Saturday’s game against Blackburn Rovers.”
      McClean, 31, has been a regular in Stoke’s play-off push this campaign.
      In 21 appearances, he has contributed two goals and two assists.

      The Potters travel to Ewood Park on Saturday knowing a win could take them into the top six.
      McClean’s absence may be less keenly felt given Stoke’s recent additions to their flanks.

      Schalke youngster Rabbi Matondo and Tottenham’s Jack Clarke have both arrived on loan this month.
      Clarke is set to make his debut at Blackburn after Matondo came off the bench in the 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Leicester.

      Welsh left-back Rhys Norrington-Davies has also arrived from Sheffield United having spent the first half of the campaign at Luton.

      James McClean runs astonishing 52 miles in two days in honour of coach Thomas Burke who passed away last month aged 31 More

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      Referees charity wants FA to BAN players from coming within two metres of officials amid growing Covid fears

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      A REFEREE charity has urged the FA to ban footballers coming within two metres off officials.
      Refsupport UK has called on football chiefs to implement the tougher rule in a bid to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus on the pitch.

      A referee charity has called on the FA to ban players from coming within two metres of officialsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Football stars have already been asked not to celebrate in groups after scoring in a bid to lower the spread risk.
      But with officials seemingly forgotten about when considering on-field social distancing rules, the ref charity have called for change.
      Refsupportuk tweeted: “It would be brilliant if the FA could also state that players should not intentionally be within two metres of a match official.
      “There is no reason whatsoever for a player to be intentionally that close to a match official.”

      The suggestion has reportedly been put to the FA but it has not developed beyond that stage yet.
      It came after minister for sport Nigel Huddleston MP suggested footballers should not be given special treatment as the country battles against the deadly virus.
      He tweeted: “Everyone in the country has had to change the way they interact with people and ways of working.
      “Footballers are no exception. Covid secure guidelines exist for football.

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      It would be brilliant if the @FAalso state that players should not intentionally be within 2 meters of a match official. There is no reason whatsoever for a player to be intentionally that close to a match official. https://t.co/oeovUoA1y4
      — Refsupportuk (@refsupportuk) January 13, 2021

      “Footballers must follow them and football authorities enforce them – strictly.”
      Huddleston’s message came after Premier League chief executive Richard Masters sent a letter to all 20 top flight clubs reminding them of ‘the critical importance of adhering’ to strict Covid protocols.
      He also told clubs ‘handshakes, high fives and hugs must be avoided’.
      Despite the new guidelines, Sheffield United’s players celebrated in a group after they scored their winner against Newcastle on Tuesday.
      And Fulham’s players hugged and high-fived after they equalised against Tottenham on Wednesday.
      This latest development comes after Aston Villa’s clash with Everton on Sunday was postponed as Covid-19 continues to wreak havoc with the season.
      The Villans had to play their Under-23 side in the FA Cup last week against Liverpool after a host of positive test results forced them to close their training ground.
      Now Villa will be without a game this weekend again after top-flight chiefs confirmed their game with the Toffees was off.
      A Premier League statement said: “Aston Villa’s home match against Everton, scheduled to be played on Sunday 17 January at 12:00 GMT, has been postponed by the Premier League Board.
      “Following the rescheduling of Villa’s fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, which was due to be played last night, a significant number of players and staff remain in isolation.
      “As a result, the Premier League Board has agreed to Aston Villa’s request to postpone their match on Sunday.”
      https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/13712322/premier-league-coronavirus-test-results-latest/Latest Covid-19 test figures saw 36 positive results across the 20 top flight clubs. 

      Chelsea’s longest serving player Lucas Piazon completes transfer to Sporting Braga eight years after last Blues game More