Coronavirus

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      Inside Manny Pacquiao’s amazing £7m Manila mansion where boxing star isolated after partying with a coronavirus victim

      by

      BOXING legend Manny Pacquiao’s £7million mansion oozes luxury and features a huge dining table and swimming pool.The Filipino fighter is plotting his return to the ring and could probably afford to add another wing to his house if he beats Errol Spence Jr in August.
      The impressive Manila pad was purchased in 2012
      Pacquiao shares the home with his wife Jinkee (left) and five children
      A match-up with Conor McGregor was also touted last year, when Pacquiao found himself in a spot of pandemic bother.
      Koko Pimentel, a Filipino senator and leading figure in the country’s ruling party, was seen at the residence in the Manila borough of Makati last spring, shortly before testing positive for coronavirus.
      Pacquiao, now also a senator in the Philippines, was sent a letter that instructed him and his family to self-isolate.
      Pacquiao’s property on the outskirts of the capital city has been his home since 2012, when he bought it for £7m.
      The amazing mansion, which features a tennis court, pool and large dining room, is also home to his wife Jinkee and their five children.
      The property features a large swimming pool
      Pacquiao is arguably the Philippines’ most famous son
      Many rooms overlook the pool

      Pacquiao’s strength and conditioning trainer, Justin Fortune, believes the fight against Spence Jr will be one sided after a horror car crash nearly left the boxer dead.
      He told SunSport: “Spence is a great fighter and a good champion, but he’s not the same guy that he was before, not at all.
      “We saw that when he fought Danny Garcia. Everyone raves about how hard Spence punches, well Danny Garcia came through 12 rounds.
      “Danny Garcia also never pulled the trigger that night, or else Danny would probably have beaten him, I think. You put Spence in there with someone like Pacquiao now, Pacquiao obliterates him, even at 42-years-old.
      There is plenty of space to get ready in the Pacquiao residency
      Neighbours told the boxer to isolate with his family in the home last spring
      The problems arose after a party guest and fellow politician fell ill
      Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao uses coronavirus self-isolation to train son at home More

    • 175 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England’s World Cup-winning hero Sir Geoff Hurst backs campaign celebrating frontline workers battling coronavirus

      by

      SIR GEOFF HURST is backing the country’s leading emergency services mental health charity in a major new campaign to celebrate the efforts of frontline emergency service workers battling Covid-19.The Laura Hyde Foundation is joining forces with We Remember Them 2021 (WRT2021) to organise the UK’s largest ever virtual relay.
      Hurst scored a hat-trick for England in the World Cup final against West GermanyCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Hurst has called for others to support the charity helping out frontline workers with CovidCredit: Getty
      It will see events taking place in villages, towns and cities across the UK and those taking taking part will walk, run, swim, cycle, row and climb – all monitored online.
      Those taking part will raise funds for the charity and highlight the work carried out by frontline emergency workers since the pandemic struck in March 2020.
      England’s 1966 World Cup-winning hero Hurst, supported by other sporting greats like Peter Shilton and Ricky Hatton, is backing the charity and calling on the public to get involved.
      Hurst said: “The efforts of frontline emergency workers during this pandemic is truly inspiring. I’d urge everyone to go out and take part in this event to mark the remarkable service they’ve provided to all of us in this pandemic.”
      Former goalkeeper Shilton, England’s most capped footballer, added: “Time and time again during this pandemic we’ve seen lives  kept in safe hands by selfless emergency service workers.
      “They deserve a day where we will all say thanks. This event is a great way to go and show your appreciation.”
      Former boxing world champion Hatton, now a campaigner on improving mental health, also backed the event.
      He said: “This event is a great way for us all to show our appreciation to the amazing efforts of frontline emergency workers over the past year and a half.”

      The initiative is also being supported by Piers Morgan, who urged people to sign up.
      He said: “Emergency service workers who stepped up during the pandemic deserve everyone’s respect. The We Remember Them relay is a great way to say thank you to all the men and women who selflessly worked so hard to help protect us in a time of national emergency.”
      The relay will take place through the Summer and Autumn months and will see teams and individuals carry WRT2021 batons in virtual relay legs around the UK as they fundraise for the Laura Hyde Foundation.
      Liam Barnes, the chairman of the LHF, said: “The We Remember Them relay is a wonderful opportunity to say thank you to each and every frontline emergency service worker who has selflessly stepped forward over the past year and a half to fight Covid-19.
      “Although we may be winning the battle with the virus, it is becoming increasingly clear that deep mental scars remain for those who have now spent more than a year on the frontline.”
      Simon Wright, the Lead Volunteer with WRT2021, said: “The relay will be like no other event the UK has ever seen. And this is totally fitting given we will be celebrating the very best of British and raising funds for a truly inspirational charity in the Laura Hyde Foundation.
      “We want tens of thousands of people to take part by signing up to complete a leg of the virtual relay; be it a loch swim in the Scottish highlands; a hike up Snowdown; a downhill tumble as part of Cooper’s Hill cheese-rolling or a cycle between two London Hospitals.”
      For more details on how the event will work and how to sign up, visit:https://wrt-laurahydefoundation.org
      England vs Romania – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

    • 275 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      England hero Ince reckons playing at home can boost Three Lions just like ‘iconic’ Euro 96 – and help nation after Covid

      by

      PAUL INCE knows exactly what a strong England performance at a major tournament can do for public morale.The former Manchester United star was the lynchpin of England’s midfield when they reached the semi-finals of Euro ’96, losing an agonising penalty shoot-out to the Germans.
      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game this summer
      England legend Paul Ince hopes Gareth Southgate’s side can win Euro 2020Credit: PADDY POWER
      Ince played alongside Southgate for England at Euro ’96Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Speaking at the launch of the Paddy Park at Flat Iron Square in London, Ince remembered what it was like to play in a home tournament.
      He told SunSport: “We’d not had a tournament for 30 years – since [the World Cup in 1966] – and that’s a long time.
      “Everyone was ready for it, the sun was shining and songs were coming out.
      “It was just an iconic time. The positivity that was coming out of our nation, not just football fans but people in general.
      “It brought togetherness and the more games we won the more everyone got excited.”
      And the midfield maestro, who played 53 times for England between 1992 and 2000, believes Southgate’s team can have the same impact on the nation this summer.
      “It [Euro ’96] did so much for our country – and this is what these players can do.
      “We’ve had such a bad, horrendous time with the pandemic. We need to have a smile on our faces… The players know that.”
      EURO 2020 BETTING SPECIAL – GET £1 FREE BET FOR EVERY SHOT ON TARGET YOUR GOLDEN BOOT SELECTION HAS
      WIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!
      The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
      And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
      CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
      Dream Team Euros

      £50,000 jackpot
      The best fantasy football game this summer
      Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
      FREE to play

      Ince, Paul Gascoigne and current England manager Southgate training ahead of Euro ’96Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Although Harry Kane and his colleagues know what’s at stake, performing on an international stage is easier said than done.
      England have tough group games against Croatia and Czech Republic to negotiate before they can think about the knock-out stages – not to mention that huge clash against Scotland at Wembley on June 18.
      But Ince reckons Southgate’s side can WIN the tournament – and can also be pleased with reaching the last four.
      He said: “When you look at the teams in this Euros, there’s no outstanding team.

      “We know the Belgians have been growing under [Roberto] Martinez for the last four years; we know the French could have picked two squads with the players they’ve got.
      “But saying that, I don’t think we should go in there and be frightened of anyone.
      “There’s no reason why we can’t go and win it… But you’ve got to remember we’ve still got a young team, the likes of Mount and Foden will be here for the next four, eight years.
      “If we can get to the semis, I consider that to be well done.”
      Paul Ince was speaking at the launch of the Paddy Parks, the ultimate fan viewing experience for all Euro 2020 games. Held at Flat Iron Square and Riverside Newcastle, tickets will sell out fast – visit www.paddyparkfanzones.com to book your spot.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      England steward wears hilarious fake nose mask and is named fans’ man of the match More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Matthijs De Ligt refusing to have coronavirus vaccine as Juventus star claims ‘you should be in charge of your own body’

      by

      JUVENTUS star Matthijs De Ligt revealed he has chosen not to take the coronavirus vaccine as ‘it is not mandatory’ and ‘you should be in charge of your own body’.The 21-year-old experienced coronavirus first hand when he contracted the virus back in January – missing two Serie A games as a result.
      De Ligt has stated that he won’t be taking the vaccine, and believes it should be people’s choice whether to take it or notCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      De Ligt has now linked up with the Netherlands national team for this summer’s Euros after a disappointing Juventus campaign saw them scrape fourth place.
      In an interview with ESPN.nl, De Ligt confirmed he has opted against getting the vaccine but insisted people should have the right to choose whether to take it or not.
      He said: “I have not taken a vaccination, it is not mandatory.
      “I think you should be in charge of your own body. The risk of infection is always there.
      “I try to come into contact with as few people as possible outside the Dutch national team.”
      De Ligt isn’t the only Dutch footballing star not to accept the vaccine – manager Frank de Boer confirmed that six others have opted not to get vaccinated.
      Speaking in his press conference on Wednesday, he said: “We have always said at KNVB [Dutch FA] that the people who need the vaccine the most, should get it first. 
      “That happened and now we think it could be a choice to vaccinate ourselves. In recent days, this was possible on a voluntary basis.
      Dutch boss Frank De Boer confirmed six other Dutch players opted against the jabCredit: GETTY IMAGES

      “I think about six players didn’t do it. That’s not a problem either, because you have to know for yourself if you have a shot.
      “I said I would, but in the end it’s the person’s choice and we have to respect that.”
      There have been 1.48billion coronavirus vaccine doses administered worldwide.
      In the UK alone, the successful vaccine rollout has seen 38.8million Brits receive the first dose and 24.4m have both – thanks in large to The Sun’s Jabs Army.
      Major football figures are encouraging the public to get the vaccine to protect lives and get people’s lives back to normal.
      Former manager and player Harry Redknapp, who is fully vaccinated, had a pleasant experience.
      He said: “I’ve now had both my vaccines – they were so simple and I didn’t even feel them. It’s no pain but plenty to gain.
      “The NHS has done a fantastic job of rolling out the vaccine and it’s amazing that we’re starting to see the results.
      Fully vaccinated Harry Redknapp joined calls alongside other prominent football stars to encourage people to get vaccinatedCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock expressed his gratitude to the footballing figuresCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      “I’d encourage everyone to take up the offer of the vaccine when they are called. [Harry] Maguire’s defence might be pretty good, but the jab is better.”
      Redknapp was joined by Chris Kamara, Eniola Aluko, Chris Hughton, Carlton Cole and Jules Breach earlier this month in a short film encouraging people to get vaccinated.
      Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he is ‘hugely grateful’ to the footballing figures for getting involved in the campaign.
      He said: “Our Covid-19 vaccination programme is a testament to the country’s remarkable NHS and life sciences industry, both of which have played an integral role in getting the vaccines from lab to jab.
      “I am hugely grateful to Harry Redknapp, Chris Kamara, Eniola Aluko, Chris Hughton, Carlton Cole and Jules Breach for lending their support to help get the UK vaccinated.
      “When offered, it’s vital people book in their jab – they truly are our greatest defence against Covid-19 and will help us get even more fans back watching the sports they love.”
      Football fans WON’T have to social distance at stadiums if vaccine passports get green light, says Gove More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Ajax star David Neres facing £15k fine and possible jail term after ‘attending illegal lockdown party with 124 guests’

      by

      AJAX star David Neres is facing a £15,000 fine – or even a prison term – after breaking coronavirus rules in Brazil.The winger, 24, has just helped his club win the Eredivisie league and cup double.
      David Neres is facing a hefty fine after a Brazilian lockdown partyCredit: Alamy
      Brazil international Neres has previously been a target for Manchester United and Everton.
      But the Sao Paulo-born ace landed in hot water in his home city when police arrested him during a nightclub raid around 2am on Friday.
      Local anti-Covid restrictions forbid events from taking place after 9pm.
      Brazil is among the world’s worst-affected nations, with the pandemic causing nearly half a million deaths.
      Neres was among 124 people seized, with many not wearing masks at the illegal party.
      His case echoes that of ex-Inter and Benfica star Gabriel Barbosa.
      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH
      Sao Paulo star Robert Arboleda was arrested alongside NeresCredit: Twitter @lucasbteixeira
      The Brazil striker, nicknamed Gabigol, paid a £15,000 fine to avoid jail after going to an illegal Sao Paulo casino last month.
      Sao Paulo’s Ecuador international defender Robert Arboleda, 29, was also caught up in Friday’s swoop.
      Politician Alexandre Frota led the raid after police learned about the party via WhatsApp messages.
      He said: “The police found two footballers, Arboleda and the Ajax and Brazil player David Neres, at the event. They should be setting an example.”

      Police chief Eduardo Brotero added: “It’s regrettable that we still need to make these types of raids. Young people still insist on gathering despite the pandemic.
      “I urge them to wait a few months before enjoying their parties. This is not yet the time.”
      Neres has twice won Holland’s domestic double, and reached the 2017 Europa League final, since joining Ajax from Sao Paulo in 2016. He has won seven caps for Brazil.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      WIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!
      The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
      And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
      CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
      Dream Team Euros

      £50,000 jackpot
      The best fantasy football game this summer
      Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
      FREE to play

      Maskless Brazil President Bolsonaro leads protest AGAINST lockdowns despite 500,000 dying from Covid More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Athletics

      Tokyo Olympics: When are the games, will they go ahead and what is Covid like in Japan?

      by

      THE TOKYO OLYMPICS are finally set to go ahead this summer, but coronavirus cases are on the rise in Japan.Positivity remains within the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that the games will go ahead as planned.
      The Tokyo Olympics were due to take place last summer but were postponedCredit: AFP
      But Tokyo currently stands in a state of emergency, as the pandemic rages on with vaccines being rolled out at a slower than anticipated pace.
      The games were supposed to take place last year, but they were postponed, as were the Paralympics, in favour of putting them on this summer.
      When are the Tokyo Olympics?
      The games were originally supposed to take place between July 24 and August 9, 2020.
      But because of the coronavirus pandemic, which also shelved football’s European Championships, the Tokyo Olympics were postponed for the first time in history.

      The Olympics will now take place this summer, between July 23 and August 8.
      It’s ‘highly unlikely’, however, that international spectators will be allowed into Japan to watch the events.
      The British Olympic Association said: “This is very sad news, not only for British fans but particularly for the family and friends of athletes.”
      Will the Tokyo Olympics go ahead?
      Yes, the games could be postponed, but it could take clear civil unrest for the plug to be pulled.
      The IOC stand to make around 70% of its finances from broadcast rights and TV deals, with close to 20% coming from sponsorships.
      Cancelling or postponing the events again could completely rupture the IOC’s funding.
      Polls show majority of Japanese population DON’T want Olympics to go aheadCredit: Reuters
      The IOC are absolutely insistent that the games will go ahead this summer, state of emergency or not.
      “We’ve successfully seen five sports hold their test events during the state of emergency,” IOC vice-president John Coates said.
      “All of the plans that we have in place to protect the safety and security of athletes and the people of Japan are based around the worst possible circumstances, so the answer [to whether the Games could take place during a state of emergency] is absolutely yes.
      “The advice we have got from the World Health Organisation and all of the scientific advice, is that all the measures we have outlined in the playbook, all those measures are satisfactory to ensure a safe and secure Games in terms of health, and that’s whether there is a state of emergency or not.”
      Concern has been expressed about the games going ahead, however.
      Japan’s biggest sports star Naomi Osaka has called for debate over the issueCredit: PA
      The Olympics were postponed last summer for the first time everCredit: EPA
      The World Players Association, which represents close to 90,000 athletes in over 60 countries, want more rigorous testing and stricter social distancing guidelines.
      And polls in Japan have shown there to be a huge disparity between those who want the games to go ahead, and those who don’t.
      Around 70% of those voting in said polls DON’T want the Olympics to go ahead.
      What is the Covid situation like in Japan?
      Not good, as things stand.
      For a long time, Japan had a low Covid case-rate in the country.
      But in April, cases began to rise amid a huge second wave which has caused over 12,000 deaths.
      Tokyo, along with other parts of the country, are in a state of emergency until at least the end of May.
      Naoto Ueyama, Chairman of the Japan Doctors Union, wants the games haltedCredit: Alamy
      But restrictions could go on as late as June 20, a month before the games are due to start.
      Vaccines were rolled out for the first time in February, which is later than other, similarly-developed countries.
      Just 2.3% of the Japanese population, which is close to three million, are fully vaccinated. More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Athletics

      Team GB stars who refuse coronavirus vaccine will NOT be banned from Tokyo Olympics with 870-plus to be offered jab

      by

      TEAM GB stars who refuse the Covid vaccine will not be barred from competing at the Tokyo Olympics.Last Saturday SunSport reported that more than 370 Olympians and about 500 support staff will be offered both jabs before flying.
      Team GB stars will not be banned from the Olympics if they refuse the vaccineCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times
      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game  

      WIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!
      The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
      And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
      CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
      Dream Team Euros

      £50,000 jackpot
      The best fantasy football game this summer
      Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
      FREE to play

      The option is being offered by the International Olympic Committee through their Pfizer inoculation scheme.
      The British Olympic Association are discussing the logistics of getting doses to competitors spread around the world at various training camps.
      Yet if any anti-vaxxers reject the offer, they will not be penalised and refused entry into Japan.
      BOA boss Mark England said: “Having a vaccination is not a pre-requisite for going to the Games.
      “It is not a pre-requisite from the IOC, the Tokyo government or ourselves.
      “We are suggesting it is an opportunity to protect not only our own delegation but a great opportunity to protect the Japanese public as well. We are certainly encouraging that to happen.”
      It is not a pre-requisite from the IOC, the Tokyo government or ourselvesMark England
      More than 60 million vaccines doses have been administered in the UK according to Government data.
      Asked if he anticipated that 100% of Team GB athletes would be vaccinated before travelling, England said: “I’m very hopeful that that is the case.
      “We spent all weekend and will be continuing this week to work through the mechanics of that.
      “We will prioritising the athletes in that. But this is not taking away vaccinations from the vulnerable or those in the age-related categories.
      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH

      “This is 100% taking the opportunity to take advantage of the IOC/Pfizer agreement.
      “We have always said and we are steadfast that we would never queue jump. But the news that we will be vaccinated is great.
      “So we will see how that rollout goes and I am very hopeful that everybody that will have the opportunity will take that up.”
      Tokyo 2020 Olympics BAN fans from overseas this summer because of Covid fears and travel restrictions More

    • 225 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Stunning influencer Giulia D’Urso sobs as she denies claims she reported Romelu Lukaku’s birthday party to armed police

      by

      TEARFUL influencer Giulia D’Urso has posted a video denying reporting Romelu Lukaku’s Covid-busting birthday party to armed police.Inter Milan’s ex-Manchester United superstars Lukaku and Ashley Young were fined after cops broke up the early-morning hotel gathering.
      Giulia D’Urso says she ‘knew nothing’ after claims she told police about the partyCredit: @giulia_durso/Golders
      Online star Giulia D’Urso was in tears as she blasted the reaction to suggestions she contacted city cops about Romelu Lukaku’s birthday party
      Giulia D’Urso revealed some people ‘wanted her dead’ following the allegations
      Inter Milan’s title-winning heroes Romelu Lukaku and Ashley Young were fined for breaching coronavirus rulesCredit: Getty
      But Italian social media personality Giulia told her 435,000 online followers she “knew nothing” and that trolls “want her dead”.
      City police found a 24-strong group celebrating Lukaku’s 28th birthday last week at a hotel in the The Square Milano Duomo at 3am after reportedly being tipped off.
      Lukaku’s team-mates Ivan Perisic and Achraf Hakimi were also disciplined following the party, with Inter jubilant followng their title-winning glory.
      But in an emotional video D’Urso hit back at those pointing the finger at her.
      She said: “I’m sorry to be seen in these conditions.
      “But I would like to say a few words on the news that has circulated in the last few hours and of which I know nothing because I have never called to report any party.
      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game this summer

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      “People call me a moron. They tell me that I made a mess for two followers. They say they want me dead. 
      “With all these insults I realize how dangerous social media can be.”
      A police spokesman said of the party at the time: “The organisers and guests will be sanctioned in various ways for breaking the rules on containing Covid-19.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More