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      England clash with Scotland at Euro 2020 is most anticipated by fans as top sporting events of 2021 revealed

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      ENGLAND versus Scotland at Euro 2020 is the sporting event Brits are most looking forward to this year, research has revealed.
      A survey of 2,000 sports fans found 73 per cent felt being able to watch live sport during lockdown has boosted their mental wellbeing.

      Fans cannot wait for the rematch of the Euro 96 classic between England and ScotlandCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty

      Wembley Stadium will host the summer spectacleCredit: PA:Press Association

      And 2021 is set to be one of the most sport-packed years in recent history amid the coronavirus-induced postponement of a number of major events.
      The most hotly anticipated individual sporting event is England versus Scotland in the Euros, which is lined up for June 18 at Wembley Stadium.
      The FA Cup final came second (33 per cent), followed by the final of the Euros (23 per cent), the 100 metre finals at the Olympics (23 per cent) and the Wimbledon finals (21 per cent).
      And the much talked about proposed fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury was at number six.

      The Olympic Games, scheduled to start in July in Japan, is the tournament Britain’s sports fans are most excited about.
      It is followed by the European Championships, which has also been delayed by a year, Wimbledon, The Six Nations and The Ashes.
      The survey, conducted by Medicspot, also revealed 68 per cent of adults think it’s right that elite sport continues to take place during lockdown.
      A spokesperson for Medicspot, said: “The UK’s sports teams have played an important role in supporting the public during the pandemic, bringing people together through a shared interest at a time when people are feeling more isolated than ever due to lockdown and travel restrictions.

      FANS’ MOST ANTICIPATED INDIVIDUAL EVENTS

      1. England v Scotland at the Euros (35 per cent)2. FA Cup final (33 per cent)3. Final of the Euros (28 per cent)4. 100 metre finals at Olympics (23 per cent)5. Finals at Wimbledon (21 per cent)6. AJ v Tyson Fury (20 per cent)7. Champions League final (19 per cent)8. The Boxing Day Ashes test (16 per cent)9. England v Wales in the Six Nations (16 per cent)10. England v Scotland in the Six Nations (14 per cent)11. The British Grand Prix (13 per cent)12. The Grand National (12 per cent)

      “Thanks to the regular testing of players and staff, a number of top-level sporting events, such as football and F1, have continued relatively uninterrupted and this has helped millions of fans across the UK.
      “While 2021 is full of uncertainty, the public is really excited about the comprehensive programme of sporting events coming our way.”
      The study also found 39 per cent think elite sports people should be vaccinated earlier than other groups if it allows live sport to continue.
      This followed comments by Burnley manager Sean Dyche who questioned whether it would make sense for footballers to be vaccinated earlier, with money clubs are spending on testing being freed up for the NHS.
      But Dyche said footballers shouldn’t take priority over key workers and the most vulnerable.
      More than two-thirds (68 per cent) of those questioned by Medicspot, which provides private Covid testing at more than 50 locations around the UK, think that if people are allowed inside stadiums this year, clubs should give free tickets to key workers.

      Fans hope the rearranged Tokyo Olympics gets the go aheadCredit: AFP or licensors

      FANS’ MOST ANTICIPATED TOURNAMENTS

      1. Olympic Games (50 per cent)2. Euros (40 per cent)3. Wimbledon (33 per cent)4. Six Nations (28 per cent)5. Ashes (25 per cent)6. Champions League knockouts (22 per cent)7. Formula One (18 per cent)8. Twenty20 World Cup (13 per cent)9. Tour de France (12 per cent)10. Ryder Cup (11 per cent)

      And 76 per cent think people should only be allowed to watch live sporting events if they have a negative Covid-19 test or can prove they have had the vaccine.
      Medicspot carried out the research after experiencing a 40 per cent increase in people ordering its private Covid tests, which are used to check if you have Covid-19 by taking a swab of your nose and throat.
      The survey, conducted via OnePoll, also revealed 84 per cent think sport is important for creating a sense of community and bringing people together.
      More than half (57 per cent) have missed being able to go to watch sport inside a stadium because of the pandemic, and 52 per cent have missed being able to go to watch sport at the pub with friends.

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      Crystal Palace investigating Mamadou Sakho after he was pictured in Salt Bae’s Dubai restaurant

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      MAMADOU SAKHO could be in hot water at Crystal Palace after footage of him at a Dubai restaurant without social distancing.
      The defender, 30, is in Dubai for rehab on a thigh problem at the Fifa Centre of Medical Excellence.

      Mamadou Sakho appeared on Salt Bae’s Instagram in DubaiCredit: Instagram / @nusr_et

      The Crystal Palace defender is in Dubai for treatment on a thigh injuryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He is permitted to travel on work grounds but was filmed on the Instagram of Salt Bae handing an Eagles shirt to the famous chef in front of a crowd.
      Palace are understood to be disappointed as they expect players to observe UK social-distancing rules, even when abroad, and are investigating.
      It comes after skipper Luka Milivojevic broke Covid rules by attending a New Year’s Eve party.
      Midfielder Eberechi Eze was also fined for watching his old club QPR in an FA Cup tie.

      After Milivojevic’s breach, Roy Hodgson admitted his disappointment at the incident.
      He said: “I know about it and obviously we condemn it.
      “We’re very upset about it, it doesn’t do the image of the club, it doesn’t do Luka’s image any good, but we’ll take responsibility for that as I expect Luka to take responsibility for it.
      “He hasn’t broken Premier League protocols per se because he’s negative and I believe the other player involved was negative as well.

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      Sakho handed a Crystal Palace shirt over to the famous restaurateurCredit: Instagram / @nusr_et

      “But that doesn’t matter, the fact is that there are government guidelines.
      “These guidelines are there for the whole world to follow and when high-profile people like football players break those rules and guidelines, it is a matter of concern and we will deal with it internally.”
      On Thursday, Palace signed striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, 23, on an 18-month loan from Mainz with the option to buy.
      Mateta said: “I’ll show the fans what I can do.” More

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      London Marathon planning for world-record 100,000 runners in October – with half of racers taking part ‘virtually’

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      LONDON MARATHON bosses plan to smash the world record for the biggest event of its kind – with 100,000 runners on Sunday October 3.
      A record 50,000 participants will be able to take part in the rescheduled race later this year from Blackheath to The Mall.

      Runners head towards the finish of the 2019 London MarathonCredit: Reuters

      On the same day, there will be 50,000 entries open for those willing to race in the ‘virtual’ London Marathon.
      Runners will be expected to cover 26.2 miles in a location of their choosing but must complete the distance within that calendar day.
      Organisers hope this will help swell charity coffers which were significantly affected by the cancellation of the 2020 race due to the Covid-19 crisis.
      Hugh Brasher, London Marathon Event Director, said: “With a national vaccination programme underway, we hope to see an unprecedented 100,000 people take part.

      “The London Marathon is a wonderful example of sport as a force for good while raising millions for charity.
      “It’s all about communities and people coming together and one of our founding pillars is to have fun and provide some happiness and a sense of achievement in a troubled world.

      Shura Kitata of Ethiopia, left, won the men’s elite event last yearCredit: EPA

      Kenya’s Brigid Kosel was the first woman home last yearCredit: Getty – Pool

      “The world record-breaking success of the virtual event in 2020 and the incredible stories from participants across the globe showed how the world’s greatest marathon brought light and hope in the darkness of the pandemic.
      “We want to offer that again and we have also accelerated the plans we have been working on for some years to increase the number of finishers on the streets of London to 50,000.

      “People can run wherever they are in the world, they can run for charity, they can run for their mental or physical health, or run for the sheer enjoyment of it. Whatever the reason, they will be part of a unique day.”
      The elite events were run last year, with Shura Kitata of Ethiopia winning the men’s race and Kenya’s Brigid Kosel the first woman home.

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      Sergio Aguero tests positive for coronavirus and is suffering with symptoms as Man City ace reveals he is self-isolating

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      MANCHESTER CITY star Sergio Aguero has confirmed he has contracted coronavirus.
      The 32-year-old posted to Twitter that he has ‘had some symptoms’ after a positive test.

      After a close contact, I’ve been self-isolating and the latest test I took was positive for COVID 19. I had some symptoms and I’m following doctor’s orders for recovery. Take care, everyone!
      — Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) January 21, 2021

      Sergio Aguero is self-isolating at home as he fights coronavirusCredit: EPA

      Aguero wrote: “After a close contact, I’ve been self-isolating and the latest test I took was positive for Covid-19.
      “I had some symptoms and I’m following doctor’s orders for recovery. Take care, everyone!”
      The Argentine will now miss his side’s FA Cup clash against League Two Cheltenham on Saturday.
      And depending on when he tested positive, he is also likely to sit out City’s Premier League clash away at West Brom next Tuesday.

      Aguero will now be self-isolating for seven days with his stunning partner Sofia Calzetti.
      It’s another blow for the striker who has already missed a month of action this season with a knee injury.
      Since coming back in November, he has flitted in and out of Pep Guardiola’s side as he builds up his fitness.
      And now, with City looking every inch title contenders after a laboured start to the season, losing Aguero is a blow.

      Aguero will be sitting out at least one game for City – and that’s depending on his recoveryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And depending on his recovery from the virus, it’s unclear as to how many games he could end up sitting out.
      He has made only nine appearances in all competitions for City this season, scoring twice.
      Aguero’s revelation comes as 38,905 more people tested positive for coronavirus in the latest government records.
      There have been another 1,810 deaths, taking that grim total to 93,290 in total.

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

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      Premier League to show all fixtures live in UK until end of February as chiefs plan for rest of season without fans

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      PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs have steeled themselves for a fan-free season despite the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine.
      The 20 “shareholder” clubs today confirmed that all matches up to the end of next month will be screened live on TV.

      All games until the end of February will be shown live on TVCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But privately, League and club chiefs recognised it is unlikely that fans will be allowed back through the Prem turnstiles until next season.
      And unless there is a surprise change of heart from Government and health chiefs, that will mean the entire second half of the campaign being available for fans to watch “live” from home.
      In a statement released after the two-hour virtual meeting, a Prem spokesman said: “All Premier League fixtures from Saturday 30 January to the last weekend of February will be made available to fans to watch live in the UK.
      “Matches will continue to be shown via the existing services of broadcast partners Sky Sports, BT Sport, Amazon Prime Video and BBC.

      “Details of all contracted broadcast selections will be announced today, along with early additional selections.
      “Confirmation of the remaining fixtures, up to match round 26, will follow in due course.”
      Tottenham and Manchester United are the hardest hit by the continued shut-out, losing around £6m in income for each home game played behind closed doors.
      But while crowds of up to 2,000 were allowed for a few weeks in December, the subsequent clampdown in the face of the mutant strains of the virus saw the gates shut once again.

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      Premier League bosses do not expect fans to return to stadiums this seasonCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail

      Football has worked with the Government’s Sports Technology and Innovation Group, headed by Carphone Warehouse founder David Ross, on potential solutions that would let the fans back in.
      Covid passports are a genuine possibility, although it is expected that limited numbers will be allowed in the initial stages, with social distancing requirements still in place.
      The statement added: “The Premier League and its clubs are committed to an accessible solution for fans.
      “These plans have been made with the cooperation of our broadcast partners, working with us to deliver these additional matches while stadiums are missing the supporters who are such an integral part of the game.”

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      Mark Wright forced to self-isolate with Michelle Keegan after Crawley Covid-19 outbreak with new BBC2 show postponed

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      MARK WRIGHT is self-isolating at home with wife Michelle Keegan after a huge coronavirus outbreak at his new football team.
      Wright recently signed a deal to play for League Two side Crawley Town – but the club have been plunged into crisis with ELEVEN positive Covid cases.

      Mark Wright has to self-isolate after coming into contact with coronavirus casesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Mark Wright made his Crawley debut recently – and the club have now had a Covid outbreakCredit: Rex Features

      This has seen their FA Cup clash at Bournemouth on Saturday postponed – and means TV and radio star Wright is stuck indoors with his stunning other half.
      Wright’s agent Jonathan Shalit confirmed to SunSport: “Mark is of course following all guidelines.
      “Consequently he as had to postpone his daily BBC 2 fitness show, Workout the Wright Way, by a week, which was due to start next Monday.
      “Also will be broadcasting his daily Heart evening radio show from home, which he did last night until, he is allowed out.”

      Wright, who celebrates his birthday today, will now have to self-isolate for seven days as per government rules.
      This gave him time to appear remotely as a guest on hit ITV show Loose Women where he put on an exercise class for the panel.
      The former Towie star is promoting a one-month plan to get people fit during lockdown.
      The 34-year-old made his professional football debut earlier this month for Crawley when he came on as a late sub in the stunning 3-0 FA Cup win against Premier League Leeds.

      Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan will be indoors for the next seven daysCredit: Rex Features

      Michelle Keegan’s own TV work will likely be put on hold for a weekCredit: Refer to caption

      The couple have plenty of indoor date nights to look forward toCredit: instagram.com/wrighty_

      It meant he had finally realised his dream of playing professional football at the age of 33.
      Wright was in the Spurs academy, captained the youth team and played alongside Jamie Redknapp in the reserves.
      But after a summer of drinking and eating, he came back out of shape and was let go – leaving him broken.
      Now, 15 years later he has laced back up the boots for some League Two action.
      Crawley’s next match in the FA Cup against Bournemouth is set to be rearranged for Tuesday, subject to the results of two rounds of tests beforehand.
      Earlier this month Wright revealed how his family had been living their own Covid nightmare.
      His father Mark Snr, mother Carol and two uncles had all contracted the virus in what he described as ‘the scariest week of my life’ over New Year.
      Wright explained how his dad ‘wasn’t the same mentally’ while one of his uncles remains in hospital.

      It is not known whether Michelle’s filming for Brassic will be affectedCredit: Zenpix

      The stunning former Coronation Street actress will be indoors for a few more daysCredit: Zenpix
      Wife Michelle was recently pictured filming scenes for her hit TV series Brassic.
      It is not known whether her schedule will be affected.
      The UK yesterday recorded its highest ever number of deaths with 1,610 lives lost to the pandemic.
      That brings the total to 91,470.
      There were also 33,335 new cases, bringing the total to 3.47m.

      Wright, pictured here with wife Michelle, will do his radio show from homeCredit: Rex Features

      Michele Keegan might have to get out the board games to entertain herself in self-isolationCredit: Rex Features

      Mark Wright appeared in good spirits on Loose Women as he put on an exercise classCredit: Rex Features

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      Switzerland star Breel Embolo ‘flees from police in rooftop chase after they raid illegal lockdown party’

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      SWITZERLAND international Breel Embolo fled from police via a rooftop after an illegal lockdown party raid, reports say.
      According to German outlet BILD, the Borussia Monchengladbach forward was caught at an illegal party in Essen on Saturday, January 16.

      Breel Embolo fled from police in a rooftop chase after an illegal lockdown party raid, reports sayCredit: EPA

      They report the 23-year-old then fled from police, and did so by walking to an adjacent roof, entering another apartment through a window.
      It came after Gladbach’s 2-2 draw away at Stuttgart.
      Embolo was subsequently dropped for his side’s 1-0 loss against Werder Bremen due to the coronavirus breach.
      The striker admitted he went round a friend’s house to watch a basketball game, but denied attending a party.

      He wrote on Instagram: “On Sunday night, after the game against Stuttgart I went to dinner with a friend.
      “In the current circumstances, it was a mistake.
      “It is false information. The apartment I was in was near the room where this party took place.”

      Sports Finding say police were called to the party and that Embolo’s details were taken down and sent to Borussia Moenchengladbach.

      Despite denying his attendance at the party, the player will now have to return a negative coronavirus test before returning to squad training.
      He also wrote online: “That was a mistake in this day and age.
      “It was stupid of me and I apologise to my teammates, the club, and especially the fans.”

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      Bournemouth clash in FA Cup with Crawley OFF after coronavirus outbreak at League Two club and ELEVEN positive tests

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      BOURNEMOUTH’S FA Cup clash with Crawley on Saturday is OFF, SunSport understands.
      The fourth-round tie will be switched to Tuesday following a Covid outbreak in the visitors’ camp.

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      Crawley Town have recorded ELEVEN new cases of coronavirusCredit: PA:Press Association
      A total of 11 Red Devils players have tested positive for coronavirus.
      The League Two club’s boss John Yems said yesterday he wanted to play the tie regardless as he still had 18 fit players available and would have been willing to field a weakened line-up.
      He said: “Our FA Cup Final was Leeds, you’ll never take that away from us – and if we have to go to Bournemouth with a weakened side, we’ll do it.

      “We might have to throw in a few 16 and 17 year-olds but I don’t care. We’re not going to hide. David-v-Goliath and all that, it’s the spirit of the Cup.
      “All I keep hearing about is what footballers are not doing and can’t do. Let’s have a little look at this for a moment.
      “We’re not trying to do anything wrong. We’re not taking any player who has tested positive. We’re just trying to get the game played.
      “If our brilliant nurses and NHS staff can keep going to work throughout this crisis then I am sure a team of hairy-a**ed footballers and kids can play a game in the world’s greatest cup competition.”

      But FA chiefs have contacted both clubs this morning as it seems the tie will now be postponed.

      Crawley boss John Yems said he would be prepared to play a weakened team at BournemouthCredit: AFP or licensors

      It means celebrity TV host Mark Wright will have to wait a little longer for another run out after signing for the League Two side.
      It will then be rearranged for Tuesday, subject to the results of two rounds of tests beforehand.
      Crawley’s League Two clash at home to Stevenage last night was postponed and the Sussex club’s stadium and training ground both been shut down the FA.
      But Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie between Everton and Sheffield Wednesday is still set to go ahead, despite a Covid outbreak in the Owls’ squad, subject to test results.

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