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      Plans for crowds at Euro 2020 games in UK in jeopardy over Indian coronavirus variant with government ‘concerned’

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      SPORTS MINISTER Nigel Huddleston admits the Indian Covid variant is a threat to getting fans back into stadiums.He hailed the success of Saturday’s FA Cup Final which saw 21,000 spectators at Wembley as Leicester beat Chelsea 1-0.
      The FA Cup Final saw 21,000 spectators at WembleyCredit: Getty
      Nigel Huddleston admits the Indian Covid variant is a threat to getting fans back into stadiumsCredit: GOV.UK
      Premier League grounds hope to have around 10,000 for the final two rounds of matches next week.
      But the new strain of coronavirus puts plans to have fans at Euro 2020 games in the UK next month in jeopardy.
      Huddleston said: “This was the biggest sporting event – in fact, this is the biggest event – in the UK for 14 months.
      “The biggest gathering of over 20,000 for 14 months and that’s quite a milestone really. The fact we’ve got to this point is quite remarkable.
      “We couldn’t have done it had we not felt comfortable with the roadmap, had the vaccination programme not gone well and other test events had gone well.
      “So that in itself must be seen as a success. But variants are called variants of concern for a reason – they are of concern.
      “There’s no doubt we are worried about them but we always would be. We want to get as many fans as possible into stadiums again.
      “I’m hoping we get there, I’m hoping we’ll get to capacity crowds soon but it depends entirely on the variants of concern but it’s a goal and has been all along.
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      “From Monday, there’s a lot opening up and crowds and that will make such a difference.
      “But opening up is one thing and opening up profitably is another. We’ve got to get the crowds up from an economic sense and we recognise that.
      “The cup final is a really important signal and we wouldn’t have done this if we weren’t making progress.”
      The Indian variation is now dominant in some areas of the UK – and the Government is considering further action in Bolton to stamp down on burgeoning cases as lockdown eases again tomorrow.
      But Matt Hancock  said he has a ‘high degree of confidence’ that the jab does work against the new variant, which could be up to 50 per cent more transmissible than the Kent strain.
      He urged Brits to remain “very vigilant” as stage three in the Prime Minister’s roadmap begins tomorrow – and said we’re in a “race” between vaccinations and the variant.
      Wembley fans appear to boo Chelsea and Leicester players taking knee before FA Cup final More

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      Wembley welcomes 21,000 fans for Chelsea vs Leicester FA Cup final in biggest UK crowd since coronavirus lockdown

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      LEICESTER and Chelsea fans are enjoying a big day out at the football once again as Wembley opened its doors for the FA Cup final.Some 21,000 supporters are attending Saturday’s clash between the Premier League clubs in the capital.
      Wembley Way was back in business on SaturdayCredit: Getty
      Leicester fans enjoyed their first FA Cup final in decadesCredit: Getty
      It is the biggest crowd welcomed into a live event since the coronavirus pandemic led to lockdowns and games being played behind closed doors.
      Those trekking up Wembley Way were asked to take a Covid test in the days prior to the game before a lateral flow test this morning.
      The game kicks off at 5.15pm as Leicester look to win their first-ever FA Cup final after four defeats in the showpiece, the most recent in 1969.
      Chelsea meanwhile have enjoyed great success in the competition, winning it eight times.
      Several test events have been held across the UK in recent weeks including the 8,000-strong crowd at the Carabao Cup final and the snooker fans entering the Crucible for the World Championship.
      And from May 17, the Government is giving the green light to crowds nationwide of up to 10,000, or 25 per cent of a venue’s capacity.
      It wouldn’t be the FA Cup without a foil-wrapped trophyCredit: PA
      The Foxes attended their first FA Cup final since 1969Credit: PA
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      Fans were able to enjoy Wembley Stadium for another showpiece eventCredit: Getty
      One fan donned a very topical shirt name and numberCredit: Getty
      The day however came amid warnings that the Government may have to delay further reopenings of the country.
      The ‘Indian variant’ of the Covid disease has been detected in the UK and there are fears it is more transmissible than other variants.
      Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden stated on Saturday: “The crucial road map date for theatres, music venues and sports has always been step 4.
      “So I understand this is an anxious time as we assess the situation over the next couple of weeks.
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      “We continue to make good progress with the vaccine rollout and with testing the safe return of audiences through the Events Research Programme, but must accept we enter a period of heightened vigilance with the new fast-moving variant.
      “We will keep engaging with, and updating, organisations to allow everyone to plan their full reopening.”
      PM Boris Johnson admitted in the week that ‘hard choices’ may have to be made with regard to the June 21 date.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Rangers star Alfredo Morelos films fans welcoming team bus back to Glasgow with giant banner and fireworks display More

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      HUNDREDS of Rangers fans set off smoke bombs outside Ibrox for trophy day amid social distancing warnings from cops

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      HUNDREDS of Rangers fans gathered outside Ibrox ahead of the club’s title celebrations amid warnings from cops and politicians.Supporters descended on the stadium first thing this morning, setting off smoke bombs and waving flags – and one of them even climbed up a lamp post.
      Some unbelievable scenes took place at IbroxCredit: PA
      Rangers are celebrating the Scottish Premiership titleCredit: PA
      Rangers have gathered at Ibrox StadiumCredit: PA
      Rangers fans are celebrating the club’s league title winCredit: PA
      Government and police have imposed social distancing rulesCredit: PA
      This week police and politicians have been warning fans NOT to march from Ibrox to George Square to celebrate Premiership trophy day this weekend.
      The club asked fans to celebrate “in their community” and observe all social distancing rules.
      Supporters could be seen setting off flares outside the stadium before 10am this morning.
      And the crowd cheered as Steven Gerrard and the players arrived for their match against Aberdeen this afternoon.
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      More than 100 Rangers supporters lined either bank of the Clyde last night near the ‘squinty bridge’ at Finnieston for the display of pyrotechnics as their team prepare to get their hands on their first Scottish top flight trophy in ten years.
      Union Bears had urged Light Blues fans to join them in the procession on Saturday after the club lifts their first title in ten years.
      Videos on social media – believed to have been from last night – show plenty of fans are desperate to cross the Irish Sea to celebrate which is sure to be a special moment for Gers fans.
      Rangers fans flooded the streets in the morningCredit: PA
      Police have also made their presence known outside Ibrox StadiumCredit: Reuters
      Rangers have been crowned Scottish Premiership championsCredit: PA
      A twitter user called Hugh Searle posted the following video yesterday, with the words: “Belfast to Glasgow tonight.”
      The clip, thought to be taken on the 5.20pm EasyJet flight from Belfast to Glasgow, shows the plane full of Gers fans chanting and singing songs.
      We told you earlier in the week how excited Gers fans had been snapping up BLUE flares ahead of the weekend title party – sparking a UK-wide pyro shortage.
      The smoke devices have sold out across the country ahead of Saturday’s Scottish Premiership trophy presentation at Ibrox.
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      One cheeky Gers supporter even claimed Manchester City fans took to forums to moan about online retailers being cleared out of blue flares.
      He wrote: “Man City fans forum saying there (sic) can hardly get blue flares for their end of season shindigs as there’s a UK wide shortage due to Rangers fans buying them up.”
      Several websites say their blue flares are sold out while all other colours are still available.
      Rangers lifted the trophy at Ibrox StadiumCredit: Reuters
      Rangers boss Steven Gerrard led an undefeated campaignCredit: PA
      Rangers thrashed Aberdeen with a score of 4-0 at Ibrox Stadium to end the season undefeated in the league and lifted the trophy in their ground.
      The Gers opened the scoring with an own goal by Joe Lewis after just five minutes and sealed victory with Kemar Roofe’s brace before Jermain Defoe made it four close to full-time.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Rangers fans mob heroes ahead of Premiership title party before being moved on by police More

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      in Athletics

      Tokyo 2020 Olympics should be CANCELLED, says 2004 Team GB silver medallist Gail Emms

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      GAIL EMMS reckons the Tokyo Olympics should have been cancelled two months ago.Britain’s 2004 badminton silver medallist, 43, is angry athletes are being forced to travel to Japan for the Games during a global pandemic.
      Olympic silver medallist Gail Emms believes the Tokyo Games should be CANCELLEDCredit: Getty
      There is currently a state of emergency in the Japanese capitalCredit: EPA
      Olympic chiefs are pressing ahead with their £10billion plans despite the uncertainty over the Covid crisis.
      A state of emergency has been extended on the Japanese capital, vaccinations numbers there are slow and there has been a surge in localised cases.
      With just ten weeks until the Games begin, Emms said: “It shouldn’t happen. And that decision should have been made months ago.
      “There is another wave in Japan. And 60 per cent of the Japanese population don’t want the Games.
      “What is the whole purpose of why this event is going on? That is the real question.
      “Japanese people are dealing with the virus but don’t worry, it’s OK, we have archery at 2pm and basketball at 7pm! It just seems odd.
      “More than 11,000 will be in the Olympic Village. Will they have to eat on their own?
      “What happens if one of their team-mates is pulled out? Are they out as well?”
      Emms won silver in mixed badminton in 2004Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Tokyo residents have taken to the streets to protestCredit: Splash

      Emms, who volunteered as a swab tester for three months during lockdown, believes the onus should be on the IOC to make the final call.
      She added: “It pains me as a former athlete to say this. But they will miss out on those special moments, seeing the flags, celebrating in front of their mums and dads.
      “It will be sterile. Footballers who have played in empty stadiums all say it is rubbish.
      “These won’t be the same Olympics. So do it properly or not at all. The Olympics are more than sport.
      “It’s about the host nation, a legacy programme, inspiring people, its history — it should be more than about money.”

      Protester posing as journalist gate-crashes media conference shouting – ‘f*** the Tokyo Olympics!’ More

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      Football Association release roadmap to women’s FA Cup final in celebration of competition’s 50th anniversary

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      THE Football Association have revealed the dates for the remaining women’s FA Cup ties until the final in celebration of the competition’s 50th anniversary. Following the tournament’s untimely pause due to Covid, it must now carry on into next season.
      The FA have released the women’s FA Cup dates until the final which will be played next season
      The FA have joined forces with mobile networking company EE to present the final which will be played on Sunday December 5, 2021 at Wembley.
      The decision to choose this day is a poignant one as it marks the exact date a 100 years ago when the FA banned women’s football.
      Kelly Simmons, Director of Women’s Professional Game said using the date was a “fitting” tribute to all the female trailblazers who have played the sport.
      She said: “To mark the competition’s 50th anniversary, we felt it was fitting to schedule the 2021 Vitality Women’s FA Cup Final on 5 December, a date for many which represents the game’s lowest ebb.
      “We want to use the Cup Final day, always one of the most special in the calendar, as a platform to celebrate the game’s historic trailblazers.
      “Watching our best players at one of the best stadiums in the world, will hopefully continue to inspire a new generation to fall in love with women’s football.”
      The competition restarted at the end of March and has reached the fifth round stage which fixtures will be played from May 16 to May 20.
      The quarter-finals will take place on Wednesday 29 September , and the semi’s a month later on Sunday 31 October.
      The FA decided to play the final on the exact same date that the footballing authority banned women’s football a 100 years agoCredit: Getty

      The FA seem to planning a celebration after the final game which could see fans in attendance.
      Their press release said: “More details of the celebrations to be held and ticket details will be released in due course.”
      This decision is in line with the men’s game who the FA have allowed to have fans at the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals.
      The Carabao Cup final between Tottenham and Man City last month had 8,000 fans in attendance.
      And this amount will be extended to 21,000 for the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Leicester City.
      The FA have said fans will be allowed to attend the final just like the men’s gameCredit: Getty
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      Man City chief Pep Guardiola claims third Prem title his hardest yet amid coronavirus chaos

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      PEP GUARDIOLA clinched a third Prem title with Manchester City and claimed it was his hardest yet.Manchester United’s 2-1 home defeat to Leicester meant the party could finally start on the blue side of town.
      Pep Guardiola has reacted to his third Premier League title win – calling it the hardest yetCredit: PA
      Guardiola called it a “season like no other” after they battled with the effects of the pandemic to keep going in four competitions until late April.
      City’s boss was thrilled by his side’s playing style and dedicated the success to club legend Colin Bell, who passed away in the New Year, aged 74.
      Guardiola said: “We will always remember this season for the way that we won. I am so proud to be the manager here and of this group of players.
      “They are so special. To come through this season — with all the restrictions and difficulties we’ve faced — and show the consistency we have is remarkable.
      “It is relentless. Every single day, they are there, fighting for success, trying always to be better. They have been so, so resilient.
      “This has been a season and a Premier League title like no other. This was the hardest one.
      “It has been such a hard year for so many people. This one is really for our fans and for Colin Bell and all his family.”
      City already have a ‘double’ as they won the Carabao Cup last month — and could yet add the Champions League as they face Chelsea in the final on May 29.
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      But Pep always maintains being champions of England is what he covets more than most — and this title challenge has been particularly challenging.
      City had a short pre-season due to their involvement in last term’s Champions League in mid-August.
      They also had to shut the club due to a Covid outbreak at Christmas.
      That left them with just 14 fully-fit players for the trip to Chelsea early in the New Year — but they won there as part of a 15-match winning streak in the league.
      Pep, 50, said: “At the start of every season, the Premier League is the most important title for us.
      “This is the one where you have to be there every three days, playing all your rivals home and away.
      “Only by being the very best, week in, week out, can you win this competition. It is a huge success.”
      This is City’s fifth title in nine years — and Pep joins Prem legends Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho on three.

      It means the former Barcelona coach has now won eight major trophies in his five years in England — plus two Community Shields.
      City will be presented with the trophy when Everton visit the Etihad on the Prem’s final day a week on Sunday, when 10,000 fans will be allowed in.
      Guardiola added: “It is so important to say a huge thank you to our fans. I hope we can all celebrate together one day not too far away.
      “I promise them we sense their love, we appreciate it and we could not have done what we have done without it.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua says Covid lockdowns stopped him having a breakdown

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      ANTHONY Joshua says Covid lockdowns stopped him having a breakdown.The world heavyweight champ was grateful to take time off from training.
      🔵 Read our coronavirus and green list announcement live blog for the latest updates
      Boxing champ Anthony Joshua says Covid lockdowns stopped him having a breakdownCredit: Rex
      Joshua, who is closing in on a mega-fight with rival Tyson Fury, said: “I never want to say Covid has been a blessing as for 99 per cent of people it has been so life-changing and tough for people.
      “But if there is a positive we got out of this negative it’s I feel like I was going to crash.
      “There were times going into training camp I was thinking, ‘I don’t know if I am going to come out the other side of this. I am that ill, run-down’.
      “We’re spending a lot of time promoting boxing and it’s hard.
      “During the pandemic I was like, ‘Breathe. Take a second’ and I just looked around.”
      AJ, 31, looks after fighters with his 258 management firm as well as co-parenting son Joseph, four.
      The world heavyweight champ was grateful to take time off from training during lockdownCredit: PA

      The champ told footballer Troy Deeney’s podcast: “I try and make my son use his creativity. Whatever he wants to do I will always be there to catch him if he falls.
      “I will never force him into anything. He is not a trophy kid.
      “He will figure it out and if he doesn’t he has great people around him to ask advice from.”

      Eddie Hearn confirms Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury fight is done with announcement coming very soon More

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      Swedish football fans take over shopping mall in protest at rule which allows just EIGHT supporters to enter stadium

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      SWEDISH football fans took over a shopping mall in protest against the rule permitting just EIGHT supporters inside stadiums.Despite the incredibly limited capacity allowed at football matches, there is no limit on ‘public places’ where there is free access.
      AIK fans in Sweden gathered at an indoor shopping mall to support their team
      And that includes indoor shopping centres.
      So a group of AIK supporters took advantage of the restrictions by gathering in Stockholm.
      They came with drums, flags and even banners slamming the ‘absurd’ laws currently in place.
      Spread across two tiers with balconies overlooking the levels below, they created a decent atmosphere as some puzzled bargain hunters walked past.
      Across town at the 50,000-seater Friends Arena, the lucky eight were in place to watch AIK beat IF Elfsborg 1-0.
      Former Arsenal youngster Seb Larsson scored the only goal, a penalty four minutes into the second half, no doubt sending the watching few wild.
      The result left AIK second with three wins from four in the 2021 campaign as they look to win their first Allsvenskan title since 2018.
      Sweden currently has one of the highest coronavirus per capita rates in the world, with their latest seven-day figures revealing an average of 5,037 new cases per day.
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      Despite the country’s high infection rate, the public spaces can welcome huge numbers of people.
      Five thousand visitors were allowed to attend Skansen animal park in Stockholm on the same day AIK had just eight spectators for their win.
      And the government’s logic has baffled the general secretary of Swedish Elite Football, Mats Enqvist.
      He said: “We have a feeling that we are not being seen as the large operation we actually are.
      “It feels easier for the health authorities to find solutions for shopping centres and bars than for us. I don’t know why really.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Just eight fans were allowed in to watch the match between AIK and IF Elfsborg on SundayCredit: Getty
      The Friends Arena can usually fit in 50,000 supporters for football matchesCredit: Getty
      AIK ran out 1-0 winners as their supporters watched on from elsewhere protestingCredit: Getty
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