Coronavirus

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Bank holiday petition calling for day off if England win Euro 2020 passes 300,000 signatures

      by

      A PETITION calling for a bank holiday if England wins the Euros on Sunday has passed a whopping 300,000 signatures – in less than 24 hours.The man behind the call, Lee Jones, organised the petition just yesterday after arguing it was “beneficial and sensible” to give the country the day off.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Hundreds of thousands of Brits have signed a petition calling for an emergency bank hol if England win the EurosCredit: Reuters
      It comes as millions ask for days off on MondayCredit: Solarpix
      And since then, hundreds of thousands of people have added their names – and Boris Johnson refused to rule out a day off for millions of hungover workers.
      The PM remained tight-lipped when quizzed on any plans yesterday.
      He said: “I think that would be tempting fate – let’s see.”
      But the Sun has learnt officials are already drawing up proposals for a national day off so fans can celebrate a Three Lions triumph free from hated Covid restrictions.
      It’s understood it could take place in August.
      And Mr Johnson urged bosses to be soft on workers who turn up late nursing monster hangovers next week.
      Around eight million lionhearts have booked the day off to recover from monster hangovers after Sunday night’s do-or-die decider against Italy.
      The PM is planning to give an extra national day off in August when lockdown finally lifts if the Lions winCredit: LNP
      One in four workers have already asked for a day to nurse hangovers on MondayCredit: NNP
      England will take on Italy in the final
      Fan fever led to around one in four of the nation’s 32m workers to schedule annual leave on Monday – double the number on normal Mondays in July.
      And plenty of bosses will be lenient with their staff, while some schools say kids can come in late without punishment.
      HR experts and unions yesterday urged bosses to let staff take Monday off to avoid clashes with workers who will phone in sick if denied leave.

      Headteacher Gemma Donnelly, of Braywick Court School in Bray, Berks, was among many telling parents she will accept pupils not coming in until 10.30am after staying up late to watch.
      TUC boss Frances O’Grady said: “Bosses should talk to staff and try to let people who want to watch games do so — either at work, or at home — and claim back working time afterwards.”
      Meanwhile, Chancellor Rishi Sunak predicted a win will fuel a £12billion euphoric spending splurge.
      England are now favourites amid a betting spree at bookies.
      Id the Lions are victorious tomorrow, the celebrations will be long – and very loudCredit: AFP
      Tens of thousands of people will watch at Wembley – but millions more will be glued to the TVCredit: PA
      And streets will be packed with revellers partying into the nightCredit: AP
      But Gareth Southgate and co will be hoping history doesn’t repeat itself as the country gears up for our biggest game for 55 years.
      England have won just ONE major tournament – the stunning 4-2 victory against West Germany to win the 1966 World Cup.
      But now captain Harry Kane has the chance to lead his troops into the record books in front of 60,000 screaming fans at Wembley Stadium.
      Hopes are high after England laid the semi-final curse to rest with a fantastic 2-1 victory over Denmark on Wednesday night at Wembley.
      But it’ll be a nail-biting clash – and the Lions have never beaten Italy in a major tournament.
      The last time they faced each other was at the 2014 World Cup, with the Italians winning 2-1.
      Football hero Sir Geoff Hurst told Good Morning Britain today an England win would be bigger than the victory in 1966.
      “The timing couldn’t be better – we’re fortunate to hold the semis and finals in this country,” he said.

      “Many of the crowd on Sunday will have had issues relating to pandemic – that does elevate this game particularly.”
      And after the win 55 years ago, he said celebrations were much more mundane.
      “I went home the morning after the game, cleaned the car and cut the lawn – that’s what you did in those days,” he said.
      Boris Johnson is considering football Bank Holiday this August if England wins Euro 2020 as excitement hits fever pitch More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Italy in coronavirus scare as three media staff test positive at team’s HQ just days before Euro 2020 final with England

      by

      ITALY have suffered a coronavirus scare with three media staff testing positive at the team’s HQ just two days before their Euro 2020 final against England. Officials immediately strengthened the bubble around the team and carried out a series of tests to make sure none of the players or immediate staff were also affected.
      Three journalists in the Italy national team HQ have tested positive for coronavirusCredit: Getty
      Their training camp at Coverciano, on the outskirts of Florence, was immediately shut and a specialist cleaning team was brought in to sanitize the facility.
      A source at the Italian FA said: “It’s not the ideal preparation for the team and we are making sure that none of them are infected but we are taking no chances and tests are being carried out.
      “The chance of infection with any of the team is small but we want to be sure.
      “It means that training sessions with the media in attendance have all been cancelled and we are having to make other arrangements.”
      The three people who tested positive were part of the team with state TV firm RAI – one journalist and two technicians – and are thought to have picked up the bug in London.
      Two tested positive in London after having covered the semi-final against Spain earlier this week.
      The third was diagnosed on their return to the Coverciano training camp.
      Sources said that coach Roberto Mancini and the entire squad had all received their vaccinations.

      Italy will be desperate no players have contracted the virus which would force them and any close contacts to self-isolate.
      As a result, they could not travel to London and have any involvement in Sunday’s final at Wembley.
      Italy are already without star left-back Leonardo Spinazzola who ruptured his Achilles in the quarter-final against Belgium.
      Mancini’s side booked their place in the Euros showpiece by beating Spain on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
      And the Three Lions joined them after seeing off Denmark 2-1 after extra-time at the home of football.
      Meanwhile, it was confirmed today that Italy – unbeaten in 33 matches dating back to 2018 – will be using the facilities at Tottenham’s training ground in preparation for the crunch game.
      ⚽Get ALL of the latest Italy news and updates from Euro 2020
      Roberto Mancini and his coaching staff will be desperate to have no players forced int self-isolationCredit: Getty
      The Azzurri are already without flying full-back Leonardo Spinazzola through injuryCredit: AFP
      Jorginho secured Italy’s place in the Euros final with the winning penalty in the shootoutCredit: AP

      Italy beat Spain on penalties after 1-1 draw to progress to Euro 2020 final at Wembley More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England will be forced to wait until SEPTEMBER for victory parade if they win Euro 2020 due to coronavirus

      by

      ENGLAND must wait until September for a victory parade if they win Euro 2020.The Three Lions have got the nation dreaming of glory, 55 years after their only major tournament success.
      Any official mass celebration should England win Euro 2020 would be delayed until SeptemberCredit: Getty
      They take on Denmark at Wembley tonight in the semi-finals with Italy awaiting the winners on Sunday night.
      But according to the Daily Mail, any plans for a mass celebration should England go all the way will be shelved until the autumn.
      The report states FA bosses ditched any ideas for a party next week due to the coronavirus restrictions.
      And instead they would plan to get something arranged for the first international break of the 2021-22 season.
      England have a World Cup qualifying triple-header in September with a home tie against Andorra (Sunday 5) sandwiched between trips to Hungary (Thursday 2) and Poland (Wednesday 8).
      If all restrictions are lifted, an open-top bus tour through central London would be the most likely option.
      A party inside Wembley could be another option to help monitor numbers if required.
      However, with the next easing of lockdown measures – including unlimited people at mass gatherings – not taking place until July 19, England’s players will be on holiday by then getting a well-earned rest in before the new season.

      ⚽ ENGLAND vs DENMARK BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

      The report adds the FA would want to do a small-scale celebration of some kind next week should England lift the trophy on Sunday night to mark the occasion.
      An invitation to Downing Street on Monday is almost guaranteed.
      The England rugby union side received a welcome home by hundreds of thousands of fans when they held a victory parade after winning the World Cup in 2003.
      And there were also similar scenes after England’s cricketers won the Ashes in 2005 and when the Three Lions got to the World Cup semi-finals in 1990.
      But Liverpool were denied a victory parade after ending a 30-year wait and winning the Premier League title in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
      COMPETITION: WIN A MERCEDES AMG A45S WORTH £51,000 PLUS UP TO £50k IN CASH
      The Three Lions face Denmark for a place in Sunday’s final at WembleyCredit: Kevin Quigley/EURO20 Newspapers

      José Mourinho warns England to not underestimate the ability of Denmark at Euro 2020 semi-final More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League club ‘suffers huge coronavirus outbreak on return to pre-season training putting early plans into chaos’

      by

      AN UNNAMED Premier League club is said to have suffered a coronavirus outbreak after players returned for pre-season.Prem teams are beginning their preparations for the new season beginning on August 13.
      A Premier League club have suffered a Covid outbreakCredit: Reuters
      Players not involved in the Euros or Copa America have began reporting back to their clubs for pre-season training.
      And that has apparently already brought problems for one top-flight team.
      The Telegraph reports that two players at one club have tested positive while a staff member needs to isolate.
      Earlier today, the entire England cricket team were forced to isolate after SEVEN positive tests within the camp.
      A completely new squad captained by Ben Stokes was named for the upcoming fixtures against Pakistan.
      It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that most Covid restrictions would be removed from July 19.
      That means sports stadiums can return to full capacity in time for the Premier League season to begin.
      But coronavirus cases are sharply rising in the UK with the Delta variant causing a third wave.
      COMPETITION: WIN A MERCEDES AMG A45S WORTH £51,000 PLUS UP TO £50k IN CASH
      Boris Johnson announced on Monday that most Covid restrictions would ease on July 19Credit: PA
      The UK recorded a further 27,334 positive cases on Monday.
      But deaths and hospitalisations remain low, leaving ministers optimistic that the vaccine is stopping people from becoming seriously ill.
      Prime Minister Johnson said: “We will move away from legal restrictions and allow people to make their own informed decisions.
      “We will remove all legal limits on those meeting indoors and outdoors.
      “We will lift the limit on numbers of people attending concert, theatre and sports events.”
      There will be 60,000 fans at Wembley for the Euro 2020 semi-finals and final this week.
      And Wimbledon are working back towards full capacity for the latter stages of the tournament, which is set to conclude on Sunday.

      The British Grand Prix, on July 18, has already been confirmed as another test so will have 140,000 people at Silverstone on race day.
      But other fixtures such as the Goodwood races at the end of July and England’s Test cricket series against India which starts on August 4 should see full stands.
      And football clubs across the pyramid, including in the Premier League and EFL, will follow suit when the new 2021-22 season gets underway next month.
      Euro 2020 crowds driving rise in COVID-19 infections, says WHO More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Eight positive Covid cases recorded out of 30,000 fans who attended FA Cup matches and Carabao Cup final

      by

      JUST eight positive coronavirus cases have been recorded from the 30,000 fans that attended the Wembley pilot test games.A report on the first phase of the Government’s Events Research Programme has shown that there were no substantial Covid-19 outbreaks.
      There have been just eight confirmed coronavirus cases from the three Wembley pilot eventsCredit: Reuters
      On April 17, 2,800 supporters were in attendance to watch Leicester’s FA Cup semi-final victory over Southampton.
      A week later, 7,200 fans watched Manchester City beat Tottenham in the Carabao Cup final.
      Before 21,000 spectators gathered to watch the Foxes secure a shock victory over Chelsea on May 15 at the Home of Football.
      In total, there were 28 confirmed coronavirus cases from the 58,000 that attended sporting and cultural events in April and May.
      Six of those positive cases were recorded at the World Snooker Championship that welcomed 10,000 fans over 17 days.
      The news will come as a welcome relief for Boris Johnson and Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin ahead of England’s clash against Germany.
      There will be 45,000 supporters in attendance at Wembley for the Euro 2020 last-16 clash on Tuesday,
      And the semi-finals and final at Wembley will be packed out with 60,000 fans on July 6, 7 and 11.
      BETTING SPECIAL: GET ENGLAND TO BEAT GERMANY AT 14/1

      It will be the highest attendance at any event in the UK since the first lockdown was enforced in March 2020.
      Ceferin said: “It is great news that so many fans will be able to watch the final three matches of the Euro 2020 at Wembley.
      “The last 18 months have taught us – both on and off the pitch – how integral fans are to the fabric of the game.
      “This tournament has been a beacon of hope to reassure people that we are returning to a more normal way of life and this is a further step along that road.
      “I am grateful to the Prime Minister and the UK Government for their hard work in finalising these arrangements with us, to make the tournament final stages a great success in Wembley.”
      More than 60,000 fans confirmed for Euro 2020 semi-final and final at Wembley More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Denmark set to be allowed extra fan tickets from Wales’ allocation for Euro 2020 last-16 clash due to Covid travel rules

      by

      WALES fans are set to be severely outnumbered in Amsterdam on Saturday as their country takes on Demark at Euro 2020.The last-16 tie kicks off at 5pm from Johan Cruyff Arena with coronavirus travel guidelines favouring the Danes.
      Johan Cruyff Arena will welcome 16,000 fans for Saturday’s knockout tieCredit: Reuters
      Neither the UK nor Denmark is listed as a ‘safe’ country by the Netherlands’ Covid rules but, as a Schengen area nation, Danes have been told they can exploit a loophole to watch the match.
      And the unsold allocation originally destined for their Welsh rivals is set to be handed over to bolster their support.
      However, they will only be allowed to stay in the country for a maximum 12 hours.
      Welsh supporters have been told that they will not be allowed into the Dutch capital.
      The Netherlands is on the UK’s amber list of travel countries, advising against all but essential travel.
      Welsh Government health minister Eluned Morgan said: “We have had some guidance from the police in Amsterdam who have told us that they will not be letting Welsh fans into the country.
      BETTING SPECIAL: GET RONALDO OR MBAPPE TO HAVE A SHOT ON TARGET AT 30/1

      “And so that means that we would encourage you of course to stay here and watch the matches carefully.
      “If local authorities come forward and ask us for the setting up of fan zones, then of course we will as a government consider that and publish guidelines for how that could be done in a safe way.”
      Hundreds of Welsh fans travelled to Baku for Euro 2020 group matches against Switzerland and Turkey, despite Azerbaijan being on the amber list.
      Visitors needed to provide a recent negative Covid test to enter the country, while Italy required a hotel quarantine period for visiting supporters attending the group finale in Rome.
      Danish fans have been advised to watch Saturday’s last-16 clash from home despite the loophole.
      Erik Brogger, director of Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Citizen Service, told reporters: “You can get to the football, but you have to plan quite carefully if you do not want to risk being quarantined in a hotel room.
      A few hundred Wales fans travelled to Baku during the group stageCredit: Getty

      “It should be technically possible, but you have to plan it pretty carefully.
      “For most people, it will probably be better to stay at home. We encourage you to watch the match at home.”
      Five flights are currently scheduled to arrive from Copenhagen before noon on Saturday, the same number then departing Amsterdam after 9pm.
      A reduced capacity of just 16,000 will be allowed into Johan Cruyff Arena for the match.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Hilarious moment fuming Scotland fan tries to kick fan zone table and misses after Euro 2020 campaign ended by Croatia More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Italy’s Prime Minister wants Euro 2020 final moved from Wembley to Rome due to rise in Covid cases

      by

      ITALY’S prime minister wants the Euro 2020 final moved from London to Rome after a surge in Covid cases in Britain.Mario Draghi said he will do all he can to stop the sporting extravaganza being held at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, July 11.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Mario Draghi said he will do all he can to stop the Euro 2020 final being held at Wembley StadiumCredit: Getty – Contributor
      He said he wanted the game to be held in Rome rather than in LondonCredit: EPA
      “Yes… I will try to stop the final being held in a country where infections are rising quickly,” he said, before adding he wants the game to be played in the Italian capital instead.
      “I advocate that the final should not take place in a country in which the risk of infection is very big.”
      He was speaking ahead of a meeting with German chancellor Angela Merkel.
      She has also expressed concern about the rise in cases of the Delta variant across the UK.
      Draghi’s pledge came as his country reported 21 coronavirus-related deaths on Monday and 495 new cases.
      On the same day the UK recorded just five deaths and 10,633 new cases.
      But although cases remain relatively high, hospitalisations and deaths are still not as bad as they were in previous waves of the pandemic.
      According to Italian news agency ANSA, a source at UEFA said there are no plans to ditch England’s national stadium for the big final.
      England fans outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the match with ScotlandCredit: PA
      England fans bunched up in the stands at Wembley Stadium on SundayCredit: PA
      The insider said the “English federation and the English authorities are working closely together successfully to organise the semi-finals and the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley and there are no plans to change the venue for those matches”.
      Meanwhile, UEFA is in talks with the British government about increasing the attendance at Wembley Stadium to 65,000 for the semi-finals and final.
      Earlier we reported how the final is almost certain to stay at Wembley after a stoppage-time deal between ministers and Uefa.
      Boris Johnson’s team were last night scrambling to stop the last three games of the tournament being switched to Hungary amid a major travel row.
      The Sun can reveal Downing Street is on the cusp of an agreement with organisers to allow quarantine-free travel for VIPs.
      It could see up to 75,000 fans allowed in to watch the final at the stadium. However last night the Italians threw a spanner in the works by saying it should be stripped from Wembley because of Covid rates.
      The Three Lions line up against the Czech Republic tomorrow night, with a win guaranteeing another game at Wembley, against either France, Germany or Portugal.
      If they come second with a draw, they will have to go to Copenhagen for an awkward clash against Spain, Slovakia, Sweden or Poland.
      A defeat leaves their fate in the lap of the gods.

      Harry Kane will again lead out the side after their drab 0-0 draw with Scotland last week.
      Talks are also ongoing over increasing the final’s capacity to between 60,000 and 75,000.
      Insiders are confident they will strike a deal within the next 24 hours – staving off any threat of the final being moved to Hungary.
      Mark Wright belts out National Anthem at Wembley before celebrating England victory roaring ‘It’s coming home’ More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Pub drinkers to be banned from singing songs like ‘Football’s Coming Home’ due to Covid rules

      by

      FANS drinking in the pub over the weekend will be banned from singing ‘Football’s Coming Home’ and ‘God Save the Queen’.Downing Street has set rules that prohibit customers from singing, especially loudly, because it’s considered a transmission risk.
      Fans are banned from singing and standing in the pubCredit: Alamy
      The current rules mean that any music in a pub should be played at a low, almost background level, to prevent any shouting, singing or dancing occurring over the top of it.
      The government’s guidance covers any hospitality venue for that matter, so it’s not just pubs, and includes restaurants, bars and similar places serving food or drink as well.
      Owners and staff at venues will have to adhere to the rules and make sure punters are obeying them too, especially if they are showing the Euro 2020 games this weekend where spirits will likely be running high.
      It means fans won’t be able to sing the usual chants that would normally be part of the roaring atmosphere found at the pub during a big football match.
      New pub rules from May 17THE latest easing of restrictions came into place on May 17, but there are still rules to follow until the complete easing is due to happen on June 21. These are:

      The rule of six inside
      Party up to 30 allowed outside
      Only table service allowed
      Contactless ordering where available
      Relaxed limits on max number of customers
      Staff must wear masks and gloves
      Customers must each check in with the NHS app
      Social distancing to be adhered to

      Legal expert Graeme Cushion, a specialist in pub licensing, said: “I suspect our patriotism – particularly if England is doing well in the tournament – may get the better of us.”
      There are also rules that mean standing and singing are a definite no-no too, as pubs and other venues must continue table service at the current time.
      Mr Cushion, a partner at top London law firm Poppleston Allen, said: “Businesses showing games may ask you to sit down and not stand up to sing.
      “And if indoors, as soon as you do stand up, you should wear a face mask, which is going to make singing somewhat more awkward.”
      The British beer and pub association surveyed 1,000 pub-goers and 85% of supporters have said restrictions will ruin watching the Euros down at the local.
      It means there is more pressure on PM Boris Johnson to push ahead with “Freedom Day” on June 21 where restrictions, especially on how hospitality operates, will be lifted and things are set to go back to “normal”.
      Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “More and more people are getting the vaccine each day.
      “It’s time for the restrictions on our freedoms to be replaced by the protection of the vaccination and for businesses and life to get back to normal.”
      But it comes as Covid cases have more than doubled in one week despite the massive vaccination rollout attempts.

      Mr Johnson has said he may adopt a “mix-and-match approach” to lifting the restrictions on the expected dat though.
      But there will be a lift on the 30-person limit on weddings even if the June 21 easing of lockdown is delayed, it’s been reported.
      In the meantime, Greene King is giving away FREE pints this weekend – so check out how you can get your hands on one.
      A footy-loving pub landlord has boasted having the ‘best decorated pub’ in the UK after creating an amazing display featuring FIVE HUNDRED flags on the eve of Euro 2020 More