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      Premier League announce just two positive coronavirus cases for fourth week running after success of strict protocols

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      PREM Covid testers recorded just two positive over the past seven days – for the FOURTH week running.
      The two positives came in the batch of 1,599 tests between Monday and Thursday last week, with the 1,276 tests between Friday and Sunday all clear.

      Premier League teams have been following strict rules to limit the spread of the virusCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It is further proof of the success of the League’s enhanced protocols, brought in at the start of January.
      The last completely clear testing run was in the final week of last season in July.
      The pleasing numbers continue the recent trend since football clubs tightened up their coronavirus protocols.
      Over Christmas there were numerous embarassing episodes of players breaking rules, with outbreaks occuring at multiple teams.

      Clubs were reminded of their responsibility to improve and follow the rules and there has been a marked decline in positive results since.
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      Liverpool boast the most-valuable squad in the Premier League

      With numbers also falling among the general public Prem fans can expect to be allowed back into stadiums this season.
      PM Boris Johnson confirmed turnstiles will be reopened from May 17 after being closed since December.

      That means the last round of fixtures, to be played on Sunday, May 23, could see up to 10,000 supporters or 25 per cent of capacity, whichever is the smaller back in grounds.
      There is also talk that the Premier League could shift the penultimate round of fixtures so that there are TWO rounds of fixtures open to fans.
      That would ensure fans of every Premier League team could get to see their team in action before the end of the campaign.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Rangers fans in England hold title party as police slam their ‘blatant disregard’ after Corby gathering

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      POLICE in England have blasted a group of Rangers fans for their ‘blatant disregard’ of rules after a title party in Northamptonshire.
      The Ibrox side were crowned Scottish champions on Sunday and that led to mass gatherings in Glasgow.

      Around 200 fans are believed to have gathered in Corby

      Pyro was set off as part of the celebrations

      But those group celebrations happened south of the border as well with around 200 fans believed to have gathered on Abington Park in Corby.
      Eyewitnesses said there were ‘at least a couple of hundred people’ on the park earlier today.
      It’s reported that flares were set off and Union Jack flags draped from car windows.
      Corby has strong historic links with Scotland after thousands migrated from the north to work in the steelworks. The town has its own Rangers supporters group.

      A Northamptonshire Police spokeswoman said: “Earlier this afternoon, we responded to reports of a large number of football supporters gathering at a park in Corby.
      “Corby currently has one of the highest rates of Covid-19 in the country which makes today’s behaviour all the more ridiculous.
      “The time for engaging, explaining and educating people in regards to the rules has passed – everyone knows what they should and shouldn’t be doing and we have therefore been issuing fines to the people involved in this large gathering today.
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      Local cops blasted the illegal bash
      “We hope this reassures the many people who have called in to report this incident to us.
      “So many sacrifices have been made in the past year and we can see the finish line. It’s blatant disregard like this that could set us back.”
      One local told the Northamptonshire Telegraph: “I understand they are happy but these people are nothing more than idiots.
      “They can celebrate in their own homes like everyone has had to spend every special occasion doing for the past year.”
      Corby Borough councillor Matt Keane said: “Congratulations Rangers on your title. However Corby currently has one of the highest rates of Covid in the country.
      “There are plenty of celebrations that have to be put on hold and this is both dangerous, inconsiderate, illegal and completely disrespectful to the many heroes currently working around the clock to keep us save from Covid.
      “Covid has torn many lives apart. I myself suffered badly after contracting the virus last year. Lodge Park has some of the highest Covid rates in Northants and we each have a duty to do our bit and respect the rules regarding lockdown.”

      Gers fans in George Square in Glasgow city centreCredit: AFP or licensors
      Rangers were crowned champions after Celtic failed to beat Dundee United on Sunday.
      It’s the clubs first major silverware in a decade after their rough road back up through the leagues from the bottom of Scottish football following financial collapse in 2012.
      Steven Gerrard’s side beat St Mirren 3-0 on Saturday and thousands of fans turned up at Ibrox to greet their champions to be.
      The league win sparked parties all over Glasgow and the west, with Gers fans turning up in their masses outside Ibrox and at George Square to celebrate.
      First minister Nicola Sturgeon ordered Rangers to tell their “disgraceful” fans to head home with thousands continuing to break lockdown into the night.

      It comes after warnings from cops and the government urging fans not to gather in large numbers to celebrate.
      Sturgeon tweeted: “I share folks’ anger at this. Everyone has made so many sacrifices in the past year & seeing a minority risk our progress is infuriating & disgraceful.
      “It is deeply unfair to the entire country, and the police have a hard enough job already. Please ask fans to go home @RangersFC.”

      Charlie Miller hails Rangers for stopping Celtic winning title ‘9 and three quarters’ More

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      Nicola Sturgeon orders Rangers to tell ‘disgraceful’ fans to go home and says lockdown breakers make her ‘angry’

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      NICOLA STURGEON has ordered Rangers to tell their “disgraceful” fans to head home after breaking lockdown rules this afternoon.
      Thousands of Gers fans descended on Glasgow’s George Square to celebrate their club’s title win. 

      Thousands of Rangers fans remain in George Square despite Nicola Sturgeon ordering the club to send them homeCredit: PA:Press Association

      Flares have been set off amid raucous title celebrationsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Cops warned fans to stay at home amid lockdown restrictionsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      I share folks’ anger at this. Everyone has made so many sacrifices in the past year & seeing a minority risk our progress is infuriating & disgraceful. It is deeply unfair to the entire country, and the police have a hard enough job already. Please ask fans to go home @RangersFC https://t.co/haH5DAzhIh
      — Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) March 7, 2021

      The Ibrox side were crowned champions today after Celtic’s goalless draw with Dundee United at Tannadice. 
      Footage shows jubilant fans waving flags and letting off smoke bombs as they celebrate clinching the league trophy.
      Fans also gathered at Ibrox for title celebrations – defying current lockdown restrictions – after the Hoops’ latest slip up sealed their fate. 
      Thousands of supporters were then escorted by police along the city’s Paisley Road West as they marched towards the city centre.

      It comes after warnings from cops and the government urging fans not to gather in large numbers to celebrate.
      As the night progresses, masses of fans remain on the streets in Glasgow and elsewhere – and the SNP chief has displayed her anger at the “infuriating” situation.
      She tweeted: “I share folks’ anger at this. Everyone has made so many sacrifices in the past year & seeing a minority risk our progress is infuriating & disgraceful.
      “It is deeply unfair to the entire country, and the police have a hard enough job already. Please ask fans to go home @RangersFC.”

      Fans have been on the streets since after Celtic’s drawCredit: PA:Press Association

      Smoke bombs have been let offCredit: Splash News

      Rangers have now won 55 league titlesCredit: Splash News
      Earlier in the day the FM warned: “I congratulate @RangersFC on the title win & recognise what a moment this is for fans. But gathering in crowds just now risks lives, and could delay exit from lockdown for everyone else.
      “If those gathering care at all about the safety of others & the country, they will go home.”
      It’s the second day of Rangers fans’ celebrations, as thousands welcomed the side ahead of the St Mirren game yesterday.
      Scotland is currently under lockdown restrictions and has been since Boxing Day in 2020.
      Light Blues fans also celebrated with the players at the club’s training ground as Steven Gerrard’s side were crowned champions of Scotland.
      Thousands of supporters descended to Auchenhowie, near Milngavie, as the Ibrox club celebrated their title triumph.
      Fans were crammed together outside the training ground gates as they waited to catch a glimpse of their heroes.

      And they weren’t left disappointed as the new title-winners cracked open the champagne and danced in front of the jubilant fans.
      Boss Gerrard – now an iconic figure at Ibrox – was mobbed as his car left the training base.
      The Liverpool legend pumped his fist out the window as he was driven safely away from the complex by a chauffeur.

      Charlie Miller hails Rangers for stopping Celtic winning title ‘9 and three quarters’ More

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      Thousands of wild Rangers fans break lockdown to gather outside Ibrox ahead of title party with flares and smoke bombs

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      THOUSANDS of Rangers fans have broken lockdown rules by gathering outside Ibrox to celebrate their impending Scottish title win.
      The Gers supporters turned up in huge numbers and set off flares and smoke bombs – hours before today’s game.

      Rangers supporters set off smoke bombs in celebration outside IbroxCredit: Tom Farmer – Commissioned by The Sun Glasgow

      Rangers fans gather at Ibrox ahead of today’s game against St Mirren with smoke bombs and flaresCredit: Alan MacGregor Ewing – The Sun Glasgow

      Manager Steve Gerrard was mobbed as he drove up to the stadiumCredit: Alan MacGregor Ewing – The Sun Glasgow

      Manager Steven Gerrard was also mobbed as he drove towards Ibrox to take charge of the clash with St Mirren.
      Fans marched past the main entrance of Ibrox in Glasgow singing about winning title number 55.
      They also set off flares and let off red, white and blue smoke bombs in a pyro bonanza.
      Supporters waved red, white and blue flags as they gathered in huge crowds outside their team’s famous old stadium.

      Footage also showed the supporters standing outside the stadium on Broomloan Road and Edmiston Drive getting into party mood.
      Some of them were seen wearing masks, but a lot were not in a clear beach of lockdown rules.
      Under current Tier 4 lockdown restrictions imposed by the Scottish Government, mass gatherings are banned.
      The public have been urged not to leave their homes since the turn of the year, with Nicola Sturgeon hoping to ease lockdown towards the end of April.

      There were thousands of fans spread around Ibrox, with some wearing masksCredit: Tom Farmer – The Sun Glasgow

      Smoke flares and bombs go off as Rangers fans celebrate their upcoming titleCredit: Alan MacGregor Ewing – The Sun Glasgow

      Supporters were waiting for Steven Gerrard and the team bus to arriveCredit: Alan MacGregor Ewing – The Sun Glasgow

      Rangers fans outside of Ibrox as police watch on from the sidesCredit: Tom Farmer

      The fans get into party mode with cops trying to keep them under controlCredit: Tom Farmer

      Fans waving Gers flags and setting off smoke bombs, with some wearing masksCredit: Tom Farmer

      Pyro being set off among the crowd, with many filming footage on their mobiles phonesCredit: Tom Farmer
      There is a hefty police presence on the scene. SunSport has contacted Police Scotland for comment.
      Rangers have also been approached for comment.
      Fans gathered despite not being able to enter the stadium – and not being able to win the title until Sunday at the earliest.
      Gerrard’s side are just one win away from the historic achievement.
      Should they beat St Mirren this afternoon and Celtic drop points away to Dundee United tomorrow, the Premiership crown will be theirs.
      If the Hoops do manage to win at Tannadice, then it would set up a potential Celtic Park title showdown.

      And with the Light Blues tantalisingly close, fans have gathered in their thousands to kick start the celebrations.
      Rangers fans have waited ten years to see their side climb back to the top of Scottish football.
      After their demotion to the lower leagues in 2012, it’s been a long road back for the Ibrox side.
      However, this season they have been sensational under Gerrard and have romped to their first league crown since 2011 under Walter Smith.

      Rangers vs St Mirren – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for Scottish Premiership match More

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      Formula One allow fans to attend Bahrain GP if they have had coronavirus vaccine or have recovered from virus

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      FORMULA ONE will allow fans to attend the Bahrain Grand Prix if they have had their coronavirus vaccine or have recovered from the virus.
      Sakhir will host the first race of the 2021 calendar later this month, on March 28.

      Bahrain will allow fans in the stands at the March 28 GP if fans have been vaccinated or have recovered from the virus

      And it’s been confirmed race organisers WILL allow supporters in the stands under two conditions.
      Fans can enter the grounds if they have had BOTH Covid jabs more than two weeks prior to the race.
      But supporters can also be in attendance if they can prove they have successfully recovered from the virus.
      Fans hoping to attend will be tracked through Bahrain’s BeAware app.

      Even then, fans will be screened on upon entry to the grounds.
      Face masks will also be compulsory and social distancing will also be in place.
      However, there will be no ‘Paddock Club’ hospitality or corporate lounges, with all fans remaining outdoors at Sakhir.
      Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) CEO Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa revealed the news.

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      He said: “We are delighted to be able to launch our ticket sales today, once again giving fans the opportunity to witness the spectacle of F1.
      “In November and December last year, we had the honour to host our healthcare heroes as spectators, and we are pleased this time be open for a broader group of fans, with tickets available to buy for this prestigious first race of the season.
      “I am thankful for all the support we receive from across Government in Bahrain and the coordination that makes Bahrain a successful F1 every year.
      “I especially thank The National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus and Ministry of Health in Bahrain for their planning and guidance, which will allow us to offer a safe experience for fans.
      “We would urge eligible fans to reserve their tickets now for the best possible seats to witness the first edition of F1 2021.”

      Lewis Hamilton is F1’s biggest earner
      The Bahrain International Circuit had previously offered vaccinations to teams.
      However, it’s unlikely the offer will be accepted – with a Formula One statement stating they won’t be vaccinated as a ‘travelling group’.
      An F1 spokesperson said: “Formula One, as a UK-based organisation, has no plans to be vaccinated as a travelling group ahead of the already established rollout of vaccines through the health system in the UK.”
      Bahrain held TWO races last season – in November and December.
      On those occasions, only health workers were allowed in the stands, with no fans in attendance.
      Meanwhile, teams have been unveiling their cars for the 2021 season.
      Aston Martin celebrated their return to F1 with some help from Daniel Craig and Gemma Arterton.
      Mercedes showed off Lewis Hamilton’s new ride as he goes for an incredible eight title, while Haas showed off a ‘Russian-inspired’ livery.

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      Antonio Rudiger treats staff at Chelsea’s local hospital to a feast to thank them for leading fight against coronavirus

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      ANTONIO RUDIGER has turned out to be just what the doctor ordered… by treating staff at Chelsea’s local hospital to a feast.
      The big-hearted Blues defender marked his 28th birthday on Wednesday thanking medics at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital for their work in fighting Covid-19.

      NHS staff were treated by Antonio Rudiger to a tasty spread as thanks for their hard workCredit: cwpluscharity

      The Chelsea defender laid on drinks and food, and posted a video to staffCredit: cwpluscharity

      German international Rudiger laid on a spread of cakes, pastries and drinks at the West London facility, a stone’s throw from Stamford Bridge.
      He said in a video message to staff: “I just wanted to say a big thank you.
      “We all can’t thank you enough for what you are doing in these difficult circumstances.
      “That’s why on my birthday I wanted to share a few cakes and drinks with you people, as a little appreciation for the work you are doing and will still do.

      “I hope it won’t be so much any more, and things will get better. I wish you and your families all the best.
      “Stay safe and keep doing what you are doing, because you are doing great work.

      Staff at Chelsea & Westminster hospital posed for photos with the snacksCredit: cwpluscharity

      Rudiger has donated a number of times to health workers during the pandemicCredit: cwpluscharity
      “You are the heroes! Thank you, stay safe, and goodbye.”
      Smiling nurses and doctors are seen in the video standing behind a long table laden with food and drinks.

      They chorus: “Happy Birthday, Toni – thank you for the gifts.”
      Rudiger last year donated pizzas to staff at 13 hospitals in Germany, and bought food for nurses at the Berlin hospital where he was born.
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      Rudiger has been an integal part to Thomas Tuchel’s revivla of the BluesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He has also provided facemasks for people in his mother’s African homeland Sierra Leone.
      The centre-back has made 18 Chelsea appearances this season.
      A £29million buy from Roma in 2017, he has since helped the Blues win the Europa League and FA Cup.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Torino given 3-0 loss after failing to turn up for Lazio game because they’re self-isolating after coronavirus outbreak

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      TORINO were handed a 3-0 defeat after failing to turn up to play Lazio – because the team are self-isolating following a coronavirus outbreak.
      Eight Torino players and two staff members tested positive for Covid-19 with the more contagious variant detected in England identified in some cases.

      Lazio players conducted their pre-match ritual despite Torino’s squad being in self-isolationCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The club’s training ground was closed by the local health authority last Tuesday with players and coaching staff forced into isolation.
      The quarantine period ends at midnight on Tuesday night – after the game more than 400 miles away in Rome was due to finish.
      However, with the game not officially called off until 45 minutes after the scheduled kick-off time, Lazio still followed their usual matchday routine, with the club even announcing the starting line-up on social media.
      The players walked around the Stadio Olimpico pitch and some even took selfies as they waited to find out what would happen.

      Serie A’s governing body held an emergency meeting earlier in the day but voted not to postpone the match.
      Torino president Urbano Cairo hit out at the league for the decision with his side unable to travel.
      He said: “The league cannot be defended [for] not taking note of the objective reality, a reality that says we cannot move or leave the city – that’s glaringly obvious.
      “I expect things to be done logically, if you add one plus one you shouldn’t have to do a thousand steps to get to two. The only logical consequence was to postpone the game.

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      Lazio tweeted out the team sheet and pre-match pictures as normal beforehand

      “Now we are waiting for the decision of the sporting judge. It is clear that we will appeal. We will make all possible appeals.”
      Torino can look to the example of Napoli from earlier in the season for hope.
      Like the Turin club, Napoli were unable to travel to play Juventus in October.
      They were handed a 3-0 loss and docked one point but the ruling was overturned on appeal by the Italian Olympic Committee after several failed attempts in other courts.
      Torino – who sit 17th in the league and just outside the relegation zone – last played on February 19, a 1-0 win over Cagliari, before the outbreak.
      Last Friday’s clash with Sassuolo has been rearranged for March 17.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Ciro Immobile discusses the situation with the referees and match officials before it was finally scrapped 45 minutes after the scheduled kick-off timeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Lazio were all ready to play but Torino were back home more than 400 miles away unable to travel due to a Covid-19 outbreakCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Head coach Simone Inzaghi, right, revealed his team line-up for the match and his team have been handed a 3-0 winCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Urbano Cairo, the Torino president, hit out at Serie A over their decision against postponing the matchCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Premier League fans will be allowed back in stadiums for final game of THIS season at all ten matches More

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      Premier League record just two positive coronavirus tests this week in further proof new strict measures working

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      PREM Covid testers recorded just two positive results for the second week running.
      A single positive result was recorded from both the 1,355 tests taken between Monday and Thursday and the 1,378 between Thursday and Sunday.

      The Premier League have recorded just two positive Covid tests in a weekCredit: Reuters

      It was the second successive week with just two positives and further proof of the success of the Premier League’s enhanced protocols.
      The last time a clean bill of health was recorded was in the final week of last season.
      Prem fans will be allowed back into stadiums this season.
      PM Boris Johnson confirmed turnstiles will be reopened from May 17 after being closed since December.

      That means the last round of fixtures, to be played on Sunday, May 23, could see up to 10,000 supporters or 25 per cent of capacity, whichever is the smaller back in grounds.
      It would also mean good news for the rest of the EFL, with fans allowed in for the play-off finals.
      The Championship, League One and League Two showpieces are scheduled to take place on the weekend of May 29 – with 90,000-capacity Wembley the usual venue.
      Small numbers of fans were briefly allowed back in grounds in December but after a steep spike in coronavirus cases in the UK, matches were forced back behind closed doors.

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      But now there is hope, albeit on the very last day of the Premier League season.
      The PM told the House of Commons: “The turnstiles of our sports stadia will once again rotate, subject in all cases to capacity limits depending on the size of the venue.”
      However Johnson has promised to ‘step on the brakes’ should there be a surge in Covid cases.

      Premier League fans will be allowed back in stadiums for final game of THIS season at all ten matches More