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    Team GB athletes face being kicked out of Tokyo Olympics if they catch Covid in Japan as chiefs try to avoid outbreak

    TEAM GB stars who catch Covid-19 in Tokyo will be kicked out of the Olympics.
    In the newly-published IOC and IPC Playbook for Athletes and Officials – available to read on the insidethegames website – there will be a number of counter-measures in place to avoid any potential coronavirus outbreaks this summer.

    Tokyo 2020 officials are setting out strict measures for the summer’s GamesCredit: EPA

    If anyone provides a confirmed positive test during the Games, they should ‘immediately begin isolating’ and inform their designated Covid-19 Liaison Officer.
    Infected individuals will ‘either be required to continue isolating or be hospitalised’ and more significantly, they ‘will not be allowed to compete’.
    Depending on the symptoms displayed, the location of any isolation period could be a ‘government-approved isolation facility’ not the Athletes’ Village.
    Anyone deemed to be a ‘close contact’ of a positive case will be retested.

    All the athletes will be tested at least every four days during their stay at the Games.
    They must monitor their daily health and record their temperature for 14 days before travelling to Japan this summer.
    They must also prepare a list of all the people they expect to have close contact with – for example, room-mates, coaches, physiotherapists or immediate team members.
    Contact with others must be kept to a minimum and using public transport is forbidden.

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    As reported earlier this week, Olympians must ‘avoid shouting, cheering and singing’ and will be encouraged to clap their compatriots instead.
    This would suggest that singing the national anthem would be banned but the organising committee refused to answer questions on this at a media briefing on Wednesday.
    Questions also need to be asked whether any athlete would be stripped of their accreditation if they celebrate against the rules in the venues.
    Gyms, tourist areas, shops, restaurants or bars are all banned to avoid the spread of the killer virus.

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    Fury as Newcastle star Joelinton fined just £200 for breaching Covid lockdown to get haircut.. while earning £86k-a-week

    NEWCASTLE striker Joelinton has been fined just £200 for breaking lockdown rules by getting his haircut.
    And fans have reacted furiously as it will only take the Brazilian 23 minutes and 27 seconds to earn that money given his reported £86,000-a-week wages.

    Joelinton has been fined just £200 for breaking lockdown rules to have his haircut

    And fans were not happy given his £86k-a-week wages

    The Magpies’ £40million man was branded a ‘Covidiot’ for sharing a picture of himself in the barber’s chair on social media on Friday.
    Northumbria police were made aware of the post and they have now issued him the standard fine for a coronavirus rule breach.
    His barber Tom Baxter, 35, has also been issued a prohibition notice by North Tyneside council.
    A police spokesperson said: “On Friday (January 29) we were made aware of a social media post involving a 24-year-old man and a 35-year-old man who may be in breach of Coronavirus restrictions.

    “We have since spoken to the 24-year-old man, who will be issued with a £200 fixed penalty notice under the coronavirus legislation.
    “The local authority, who are responsible for enforcement in relation to businesses, have served a 35-year-old man with a prohibition notice.”
    But fans online reacted in furious fashion when the amount of the fine emerged.
    One wrote: “Mate Joelinton is on £80k-a-week, a £200 fine is not a punishment.

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    mate joelinton is on 80 grand a week, a £200 fine is not a punishment. how is it fair that if you’re rich you can do whaetever you want and are essentially above the rules, but normal people will suffer a lot more for breaking the same rule?
    — Syperhanic (@Syperhanic) February 4, 2021

    You cant set fines based on someones wealth
    — Musicismysaviour (@Musicismysavio1) February 4, 2021

    “How is it fair that if you’re rich you can do whatever you want and are essentially above the rules, but normal people will suffer a lot more for breaking the same rule?”
    Chris tweeted: “Instead of a pathetic fine for the obviously in the wrong Joelinton.
    “How’s about making him proactively show his sorrow publicly and make him work in the West End food bank for a week?
    “FFS £200 is just insulting for a professional footballer.”
    And Collis added: “That fine to Joelinton is no deterrent to him or other top flight footballers.”
    Baxter was believed to be using his garage as a temporary barber shop in order to flout the rules.
    After the news became public, Baxter labelled Joelinton an idiot for uploading the picture even though the snipper was also posing for the shot.
    Newcastle vowed to punish the striker for his actions.

    Instead of a pathetic fine for the obviously in the wrong Joelinton. How’s about making him proactively show his sorrow publicly and make him work in the West End Foodbank for a week? FFS £200 is just insulting for a professional footballer.🤐#NUFC https://t.co/kE4aJkqXNS
    — Chris Armin (@chris_armin) February 4, 2021

    Its not. Its providing a deterrent that is of equal impact to low earners and high earners. That fine to Joelinton is no deterrent to him or other top flight footballers
    — Collis (@collywood83) February 4, 2021

    Joelinton got fined £200 for this. He’s on £80000 a week. What’s the point? If I could get my haircut and my only punishment was a fine of £1.50. I’d get it done every week just for something to do. https://t.co/0uiW8yOUMa
    — Arsene’s Eyes 💙 (@Arsenes_Eyes) February 4, 2021

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    Chesterfield players and staff ‘jumped queue’ to get coronavirus jab… with one aged just 21 getting vaccine

    NATIONAL LEAGUE side Chesterfield have been accused of ‘immoral’ behaviour and ‘queue-jumping’ after several players and staff got their coronavirus jabs.
    The vaccine is currently meant to be for the over-70s and most vulnerable.

    National League Chesterfield have been blasted after a number of players and staff received their Covid-19 vaccineCredit: PA:Press Association

    But the Daily Mail claims players as young as 21 from the Spireites were given it yesterday.
    And they state the club’s medical staff were ‘horrified’ when they found out after not being told about it beforehand.
    Chesterfield’s stars and staff received leftover Pfizer vaccines at a nearby medical centre after being informed that scheduled patients had not appeared for it.
    NHS guidelines state that while vaccines should not be wasted, people over 70 and clinically vulnerable individuals should be given priority.

    A Chesterfield spokesperson said: “A small number of Chesterfield players and staff — most of whom are classed as vulnerable people — have received the Covid-19 vaccine.
    “In line with the NHS directive, that doctors and staff have the discretion to ensure that they can make full use of any unused vaccines rather than have any go to waste, the people concerned were called at very short notice to receive the vaccine after the surgery had exhausted all other viable options.”
    It has since emerged that local NHS staff in Chesterfield have received threatening phone calls following the publication of the story.
    It is understood the club have been in discussion with the local vaccination centre in Stubley since offering the stadium as a location for drive-through coronavirus testing.

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    Some clubs still splashed out despite Covid-19

    A source told the Mail: “The decision was taken by the club after being approached by a volunteer at the medical centre to get them on the list.
    “The players had no real choice because they have to do what they are told. The club doctor and head physio weren’t told and were horrified when they discovered.
    “In my view it’s totally immoral and appears like queue-jumping. These are fit and healthy people who should not be vaccinated at this time when others more badly in need should be getting them.
    “Even within the club there are older people who should have got them first.
    “It gives them a clear competitive advantage as it effectively makes them bombproof from the virus, while other clubs in the League will still have key players coming down with it.”
    And former Chesterfield secretary Ashley Carson branded it ‘disgraceful’.
    He said: “To take vaccines away from the prioritised groups and frontline NHS staff seems deplorable in favour of fit and healthy professional sportsmen.”
    The NHS have now launched an investigation into the ‘unacceptable’ queue-jumping by the club.
    An NHS Derby and Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group spokesperson said: “We began investigating this issue with the practice involved as soon as it was brought to our attention. 
    “It is unacceptable to jump the queue ahead of people most at risk of Covid-19 and the NHS guidance is clear that local vaccination services must manage their appointment lists to ensure all appointments are filled and they have a back-up list of high risk people in Joint Committee on Vaccination and Drug Immunisation priority groups 1-4 who can receive the vaccine at short notice.”

    How to sign up

    VOLUNTEERS for the Jabs Army are being asked to first register online at nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk
    You will then receive an email with log-in details to sign up online.
    Finally, you will be asked to download the GoodSAM app on a smartphone which will match you to a role in your area.
    Services will be opening in the coming days and weeks, with different areas up and running at different times, so you might not be required on site for some weeks. Not everyone who signs up will need to be called upon.
    You need to commit to only two six-hour shifts a month at a vaccination service, and no prior experience or qualifications are required.
    You will work as part of a team that will include NHS staff and volunteers. The Royal Voluntary Service will conduct appropriate background checks.
    Go to nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk

    Boris Johnson said he will reveal his plans for the next wave of Covid vaccines for those under-70s on February 15.
    The Prime Minister said 10 million have now received their first dose of the jab – marking a huge mile stone in Britain’s fight against the virus.
    So far, the NHS is working through the top four priority groups who most vulnerable in society, including the elderly and frontline healthcare staff.
    With almost 90 per cent of those aged 75 and over having received their first jab, talks have turned to when the next cohort will start getting theirs.
    Speaking at a No10 briefing, Mr Johnson said that he will be able to reveal more on the “second wave” of vaccines in less than a fortnight.
    He has previously said that February 15 is the date that the current lockdown measures are due to be reviewed by the Government.
    The country’s lockdown exit roadmap will then be published in the week of February 22 before going before Parliament for debate.

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    Tottenham donate £100,000 to NHS charity with cash raised by player fines for breaking Covid lockdown over Christmas

    TOTTENHAM have donated cash raised from player fines for lockdown breaches to an NHS charity.
    A whopping £100,000 was charged to Sergio Reguilon, Erik Lamela and Giovani Lo Celso for attending a New Year’s Eve party.

    Three Tottenham stars were pictured at a New Year’s Eve bash during lockdown

    The gathering broke coronavirus lockdown restrictions at the height of the pandemic’s third wave.
    And Spurs have used the money to help fund an initiative for health workers in North London.
    On Wednesday, a club statement read: “Tottenham Hotspur can announce it has donated £100,000 to North Mid Charity, needed to deliver a ‘Thank You’ initiative for North Middlesex University Hospital’s heroic staff who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic.
    “Money raised has been taken from fines the club has issued to its players that breached Covid-19 guidelines over the festive period.”

    Tottenham Stadium was converted into a testing centre in the spring amid football’s shutdown.
    With fans still yet to return to matches, the venue has also been offered to help the NHS with the coronavirus vaccine rollout.

    Jose Mourinho spoke of his disappointment at his stars’ decision to break guidelines over the holiday period.
    Reguilon in particular had, only days earlier, been gifted a £500 Spanish jamon leg as a present for spending Christmas alone during the pandemic.

    And Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy spoke on Wednesday about the decision to direct player fines to local charities.
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    He said: “The club always ring-fences player fine money for good causes and we can think of no better cause to donate these funds to than North Mid’s ‘Thank You’ initiative for staff.
    “NHS staff across the country continue to make sacrifices and put themselves at risk every day to save lives and we hope this contribution will go some way towards providing the recognition that these heroes deserve.
    “Although the circumstances in which we are able to provide the financial support required are regretful, we are pleased to know that we are able to contribute and look forward to working with North Mid on this fantastic initiative.”

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    Tokyo Olympics anti-Covid rules revealed with handshakes and hugging BANNED and orders not to SING in crackdown

    SINGING, chanting, hugging and high-fiving will be BANNED from the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics to avoid the spread of Covid-19.
    The IOC, IPC and the Organising Committee are releasing a series of ‘Playbooks’ containing important dos and don’ts for this summer’s Games.

    Scenes like Jason Kenny and Laura Trott kissing could be banned in TokyoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    And anybody flouting the general health and safety rules will be chucked out.
    In the first Playbook – which targets International Federation delegates, medical staff and officials – there are a series of coronavirus countermeasures that must be observed.
    It is understood the many principles will form the “framework” of the books sent to Team GB athletes shortly.
    In the first Playbook, it says:

    + Support athletes by clapping and not singing or chanting
    + Avoid unnecessary forms of physical contact such as hugs, high-fives and handshakes
    + Keep physical interactions with others to a minimum
    + Keep two metres distance from athletes and at least one metre from others, including in operational spaces

    + Use Games transport systems. Do not use public transport unless given permission
    + Wear a face mask at all times, unless outside and two metres away from others
    + Avoid enclosed spaces and crowds where possible
    + Do not visit tourist areas, shops, restaurants or bars, gyms etc
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    It is unknown if fans will be told to remain silent in venues – unless it is decided in April that it will become a behind-closed-doors event.
    A test, trace and isolate smartphone app will be in operation and everybody must monitor their health daily for 14 days before travelling to Japan.
    Everyone must undergo a PRC nose and throat test within 72 hours of flying and will be tested upon arrival in the Japanese capital.
    Anyone who tests positive must “immediately begin self-isolation in line with local rules”.
    Athletes will soon learn more about their stay in the Olympic and Paralympic village but they have already been told long-time post-event partying and sight-seeing will not be permitted.
    Team GB stars and staff will have restrictions “on socialising outside the Village” and “their movement between official Games venues”.
    Vaccinations are not mandatory and the rules will apply whether or not someone has had the jab.
    Covid-19 Liaison Officers will record symptoms, test results and monitor those who flout the rules.
    Anybody that does so repeatedly or in a serious nature will be chucked out and have their accreditation revoked.
    IOC President Thomas Bach admitted last week for the first time he is uncertain whether crowds can attend venues due to the global Covid-19 crisis.
    A decision on whether it will be a behind-closed-doors Olympic and Paralympic Games is expected to be made by April.

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    Captain Sir Tom Moore dead aged 100 – Kane and Beckham leads tributes as sporting world remembers national treasure

    HARRY KANE led the sporting tributes to Captain Sir Tom Moore after the national treasure died aged 100.
    The war veteran, who raised millions for the NHS during the pandemic, lost his battle with coronavirus.

    Captain Sir Tom Moore sadly died on Tuesday aged 100Credit: Instagram

    Harry Kane led the tributes to the national treasureCredit: PA:Press Association

    He was admitted to hospital on Saturday night after struggling with his breathing.
    And his heartbroken family today confirmed Captain Tom has tragically passed away.
    Tributes have poured in for the fund-raising hero, including from sports stars.
    Tottenham and England striker Harry Kane tweeted: “Very sad to hear this news as he was an inspirational man who did so much for others. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”

    England manager Gareth Southgate said: “Captain Sir Tom Moore demonstrated the very best of England during an extremely difficult time for the nation.
    “It is no exaggeration to say he helped bring the country together in a way that few ever could, and he leaves a legacy that will never be forgotten.
    “I was especially struck by his dedication to going above and beyond with his personal challenge, his relentless positivity and his good humour.
    “It was a wonderful moment to see him chosen to lead England’s Lionhearts squad celebrating 23 individuals who had done so much to help others this past year – one of many deserved honours that came his way.

    “He will be missed, but we will remember him.”
    Follow the latest tributes to Captain Tom Moore on our live blog…

    Very sad to hear this news as he was an inspirational man who did so much for others. My thoughts are with his family and friends. https://t.co/S3pW4DxjIp
    — Harry Kane (@HKane) February 2, 2021

    How terribly sad: Captain Sir Tom Moore has passed away. What an extraordinary life, with the most wonderful finale over the last year. A National treasure and a hero. RIP.
    — Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) February 2, 2021

    David Beckham posted on Instagram: “Today we have lost a true hero, Captain Sir Tom Moore. What he achieved for our NHS will never be forgotten. Tom, you were truly the very best of British.
    “When our country and our world was struggling you gave us hope, put a smile on our faces and made us believe that tomorrow would be a good day. Rest in Peace Sir Tom.”
    Ex-England striker Gary Lineker said: “How terribly sad: Captain Sir Tom Moore has passed away. What an extraordinary life, with the most wonderful finale over the last year. A National treasure and a hero. RIP.”
    Steph Houghton tweeted: “What an inspirational man, that showed the way for everyone! Thoughts go out to his family and friends!”
    Former world heavyweight champion Frank Bruno said: “It is with great sadness I have just learned of the passing of Captain Tom.
    “He was an inspiration 2 us all he created a legacy and drew attention to the NHS at their time of financial need. We never met but he was my hero for last year RIP Captain Sir Tom.”
    England’s cricket team added: “RIP Captain Sir Tom Moore. An inspiration to us all.”

    With sadness one of the coolest and most inspiring characters has passed away. A man who showed the world what you can do no matter the age or difficulty. It was a pleasure to share some good laughs with you, I’ll remember them.To an inspiration. Rest in peace Captain Sir Tom. pic.twitter.com/zVK2uG46LM
    — Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) February 2, 2021

    After my tweet yesterday it is with great sadness I have just learned of the passing of Captain Tom. He was an inspiration 2 us all he created a legacy and drew attention to the NHS at their time of financial need. We never met but he was my hero for last year RIP Captain Sir Tom pic.twitter.com/81iiKaeBwr
    — Frank Bruno MBE 🇬🇧 (@frankbrunoboxer) February 2, 2021

    Captain Tom’s daughters Hannah and Lucy said in a touching statement: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear father, Captain Sir Tom Moore.
    “We are so grateful that we were with him during the last hours of his life; Hannah, Benjie and Georgia by his bedside and Lucy on FaceTime. We spent hours chatting to him, reminiscing about our childhood and our wonderful mother. We shared laughter and tears together.
    “The last year of our father’s life was nothing short of remarkable. He was rejuvenated and experienced things he’d only ever dreamed of.
    “Whilst he’d been in so many hearts for just a short time, he was an incredible father and grandfather, and he will stay alive in our hearts forever.”
    The hero, who became a beacon of hope as coronavirus first gripped the world, fell ill with pneumonia and last week tested positive for the disease.
    The war veteran won the hearts of the nation with his bid to raise money for NHS staff before his 100th birthday on April 30 last year.

    His aim was to raise £1,000 walking 100 laps of the 25-metre (82ft) loop in his garden with the aid of a frame.
    The champ then vowed to keep on walking while people were still donating after he achieved the amazing feat on April 16.
    Staggeringly, he went on to raise £32,796,355 for NHS charities and received a knighthood from the Queen.
    Captain Tom became a shining light for the nation in the darkest moments of the pandemic.

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    Prem clubs still up-in-air whether top stars will be forced to go on international duty next month over quarantine fears

    PREM clubs have been left up in the air over whether they will be forced to release players for next month’s World Cup qualifiers.
    Last week’s new UK border rules mean that South American and Portuguese players will be forced to spend 10 days in strict hotel quarantine when they return to British soil.

    Bruno Fernandes is among the stars who could be affected by going away on international dutyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    SunSport revealed how it could deprive Liverpool of Alisson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino for three games at the start of April.
    And it would bring similar issues for Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Edinson Cavani and Alex Telles and Ederson, Ruben Dias and Gabriel Jesus at Manchester City.
    And Fifa President Gianni Infantino declined to signal the world body’s stance on the issue when asked during an appearance at the World Health Organisation.
    Infantino said: “It is obvious that health is the priority number one and that when we play football we want to protect the health of all those involved – the players, the coaches, the referees, officials and the fans.

    “Whatever we do or will do in the next qualifying games for the World Cup or continental competitions we will do it by adhering to a clear health protocol which will not put the health of anyone at risk.
    “The situation is very different all over the world and when you organise national team games you give hope and joy to people.
    “But everything has to be done respecting health.
    “We have our protocol and it is put in place. We will monitor the situation in the coming weeks.

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    “This situation is evolving week by week. 
    “The international games will be in March and by then we will assess the situation and see where we can play and in what conditions.
    “But we will certainly not take any risks with the health of anyone.”

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    England risk being kicked out of the World Cup under barmy Labour border plans

    ENGLAND risk being kicked out of the World Cup under barmy Labour border plans.
    Sir Keir Starmer wants arrivals from every country to spend ten days in hotel quarantine.

    😷 Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

    England risk being kicked out of the World Cup under barmy Labour border plans that would see arrivals from every country to spend ten days in hotel quarantineCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Under the proposals Gareth Southgate’s team would have to forfeit qualification games in Poland, San Marino and AlbaniaCredit: PA:Press Association

    There are no exemptions for elite sports stars coming from nations where quarantining in hotels is requiredCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    There would be no exemptions for Three Lions aces.
    Currently, the measures will apply to 33 countries and there are no exemptions for elite sports stars coming from nations where quarantining in hotels is required.
    But if the proposals were expanded under Labour’s plans, England’s World Cup qualification games in Poland, San Marino and Albania would have to be forfeited.

    Gareth Southgate’s team would be handed a 3-0 loss in each game, severely denting their chances of qualifying for Qatar 2022.
    If the games did go ahead, they’d risk the Premier League’s wrath as stars would be held for ten days in hotels on their return.
    The move would also throw the Euros, the Premier League, the Champions League, rugby’s Six Nations and the new Formula 1 season into chaos.
    MPs will vote on Labour’s proposal which lists one exemption to the blanket ban — for hauliers.

    Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said: ‘By quarantining all arrivals, we can help protect vaccines against new strains’Credit: PA:Press Association
    Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, Nick Thomas-Symonds said: “By quarantining all arrivals, we can help protect vaccines against new strains.”
    But the Premier League has worked hard to make teams Covid secure, with players often travelling in bubbles.
    A Tory Party spokesman said: “Labour’s plan to put 20,000 people a day in hotels is implausible.”
    An insider said: “All sports have the strictest covid protocols but if these measures were introduced British teams in Europe have a real headache over how to compete.
    “That in turn would have financial implication, as well as issues over future qualification.”
    The source added the measures would impact the “already truncated” season which needs to finished before the delayed Euros this summer – which would also be affected by the measures, as Wembley stadium hosts all three England group games, the semi-finals and final.
    Motor racing would also be affected, with the Formula 1 season set to start in weeks in Bahrain.
    Races in “red listed” Brazil and Abu Dhabi are taking place at the end of the year, when organisers hope restrictions have been lifted.

    The England Football team could miss out on next year’s World Cup due to Labour’s proposalsCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    A Formula 1 spokesman said: “Last year we proved we could compete safely with over 80,000 tests and 0.1 per cent positives.
    “We employ over 40,000 both directly and indirectly through supply chains and have over 25,000 highly skilled engineers.
    “We cannot operate if we cannot travel and the elite sport exemption is quite simply keeping our sport and others going and saving jobs.”
    A Whitehall source said: “So long as we remain confident on public health grounds, we’d support players travelling to compete.
    “A blanket ban would effectively stop us playing in international competitions and be devastating for sports’ finances.
    “At various points Labour have tried to disrupt sport continuing through covid, whereas the government has done everything it can to keep it going safely”.

    Qatar are due to host the tournament in 2022

    A Labour spokesman said: “Labour’s proposals outlined do include scope for exemptions, we have asked the Government to provide all of the basis or the decisions around exemptions. 
    “Every effort should be made to allow elite international sport to continue, through quarantine exemption, although the key priority has to be against importing a strain of the virus that is resistant to the vaccine.”
    The Premier League declined to comment.

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