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      Referees charity wants FA to BAN players from coming within two metres of officials amid growing Covid fears

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      A REFEREE charity has urged the FA to ban footballers coming within two metres off officials.
      Refsupport UK has called on football chiefs to implement the tougher rule in a bid to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus on the pitch.

      A referee charity has called on the FA to ban players from coming within two metres of officialsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Football stars have already been asked not to celebrate in groups after scoring in a bid to lower the spread risk.
      But with officials seemingly forgotten about when considering on-field social distancing rules, the ref charity have called for change.
      Refsupportuk tweeted: “It would be brilliant if the FA could also state that players should not intentionally be within two metres of a match official.
      “There is no reason whatsoever for a player to be intentionally that close to a match official.”

      The suggestion has reportedly been put to the FA but it has not developed beyond that stage yet.
      It came after minister for sport Nigel Huddleston MP suggested footballers should not be given special treatment as the country battles against the deadly virus.
      He tweeted: “Everyone in the country has had to change the way they interact with people and ways of working.
      “Footballers are no exception. Covid secure guidelines exist for football.

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      It would be brilliant if the @FAalso state that players should not intentionally be within 2 meters of a match official. There is no reason whatsoever for a player to be intentionally that close to a match official. https://t.co/oeovUoA1y4
      — Refsupportuk (@refsupportuk) January 13, 2021

      “Footballers must follow them and football authorities enforce them – strictly.”
      Huddleston’s message came after Premier League chief executive Richard Masters sent a letter to all 20 top flight clubs reminding them of ‘the critical importance of adhering’ to strict Covid protocols.
      He also told clubs ‘handshakes, high fives and hugs must be avoided’.
      Despite the new guidelines, Sheffield United’s players celebrated in a group after they scored their winner against Newcastle on Tuesday.
      And Fulham’s players hugged and high-fived after they equalised against Tottenham on Wednesday.
      This latest development comes after Aston Villa’s clash with Everton on Sunday was postponed as Covid-19 continues to wreak havoc with the season.
      The Villans had to play their Under-23 side in the FA Cup last week against Liverpool after a host of positive test results forced them to close their training ground.
      Now Villa will be without a game this weekend again after top-flight chiefs confirmed their game with the Toffees was off.
      A Premier League statement said: “Aston Villa’s home match against Everton, scheduled to be played on Sunday 17 January at 12:00 GMT, has been postponed by the Premier League Board.
      “Following the rescheduling of Villa’s fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, which was due to be played last night, a significant number of players and staff remain in isolation.
      “As a result, the Premier League Board has agreed to Aston Villa’s request to postpone their match on Sunday.”
      https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/13712322/premier-league-coronavirus-test-results-latest/Latest Covid-19 test figures saw 36 positive results across the 20 top flight clubs. 

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      Premier League captains and managers will hold ‘hugging summit’ with league chiefs in bid to keep season going

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      PREM captains and managers will hold a ‘hugging summit’ with League chiefs today – in a bid to fend off calls for a shutdown.
      Growing criticism over players’ goal celebrations have reached Governmental level with Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston making a public warning.

      Premier League stars will be told again today to stop the huggingCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Prem chiefs are concerned that a widespread backlash could put the entire game on the backfoot and make the prospect of an enforced pause more serious
      And while there is no current Government push for the game to be temporarily closed as the mutant strains of the virus spread, the emergency virtual meeting will address all the issues.
      England skipper Harry Kane’s vow that the Spurs players would not hug after a goal was kept to during the draw with Fulham, although Jose Mourinho’s men did high-five each other.
      But Manchester City hugged en masse after Phil Foden’s winner against Brighton.

      That followed similar scenes on Tuesday night.
      Now all clubs have been summoned for today’s virtual gatherings, involving separate meetings with skippers and managers.
      Prem leaders will reiterate the message that Covid protocols MUST be followed to the letter.
      Those rules have already been sent out to all clubs.

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      But the feeling is that by getting the captains and managers to pass on the gravity of the situation, it will bring restraint to head off the threat to the Prem.
      It is understood that the meetings were scheduled by the Prem at the beginning of the week, rather than being a response to the scenes of the past few days.
      But those incidents have intensified the need for action and players and managers will be left in no doubt of the requirement for all Prem stars to follow the rules to the letter.

      Premier League managers express concern at the impact of Covid-19 More

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      Brighton to use Amex Stadium as Covid-19 vaccinator volunteers training centre amid Jabs Army call to arms

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      BRIGHTON are to use their Amex stadium as a training centre for Covid-19 vaccinator volunteers this weekend.
      The volunteers will be trained by St John’s Ambulance to administer the vaccine across Sussex as new NHS vaccination centres come online.

      The Amex is being put to good use by Brighton during the pandemicCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Albion chief executive Paul Barber said: “We are delighted to be able to help with the national effort to get the population vaccinated by providing several of our hospitality areas for socially distanced vaccination training for local volunteers. 
      “We have space inside the Amex for St John Ambulance personnel to safely deliver training to approximately 200 volunteers this weekend, who are then ready to go into the community to administer the vaccine across Sussex.
      “We have been committed to supporting the NHS, St John Ambulance and other key healthcare workers in any way we can throughout the pandemic.
      “As we start to see a light at the end of the tunnel, we will do everything we possibly can to support the national effort to get there.”

      In April the Amex was used as a mass testing centre, with capacity to test up to 1500 people per day.
      The stadium and training facility have been used by the NHS for storage and training purposes.
      The Seagulls travel to Leeds on Saturday and don’t play at home again until the following weekend.
      Graham Potter’s side host Blackpool in the FA Cup on Saturday January 23, allowing plenty of time for volunteers to be trained.

      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

      Brighton’s offer comes amid The Sun’s Jabs Army appeal, which calls for volunteers to get involved with the vaccination programme.
      Telly favourite Jeremy Clarkson is the latest star to urge readers to sign up for our Jabs Army — and cure their own lockdown blues.
      Visiting a vaccination centre, he said: “Everyone is saying how bored they are. They’ve watched Netflix, gone through everything on the internet, read Google.
      “Well let’s not be bored — let’s get off our bottoms and volunteer.”
      Sign up at nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk

      Chris Evans backs The Sun’s Jabs Army campaign as 35,000 sign up to volunteer in Covid vaccination centres More

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      Aston Villa to beg Premier League to axe Everton clash at weekend with NINE positive coronavirus cases in first team

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      ASTON VILLA are to ask the Premier League to postpone Sunday’s clash with Everton.
      At least nine first-team players tested positive for Covid-19 and have been isolating since Thursday.

      Dean Smith’s Aston Villa want their game against Everton on Sunday postponedCredit: PA

      Dean Smith and Co played their kids in a 4-1 FA Cup defeat to Liverpool on Friday.
      Under-23s boss Mark Delaney took charge at Villa Park against a strong Reds side which included Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Jordan Henderson.
      However, the Villans called off tonight’s scheduled game against Tottenham.
      Villa’s Bodymoor Heath base remains closed and the Midlanders are set to make a formal request to Premier League chiefs today.

      The Everton clash was originally meant to go ahead at 5.30pm on Saturday.
      However, it was pushed back to Sunday at noon because Fulham’s game with Chelsea moved from Friday night to the Saturday evening slot.
      Cottagers boss Scott Parker fumed after his side were given 48 hours to prepare to face Spurs tonight – but got no sympathy from Tottenham counterpart Jose Mourinho.
      Their game was postponed from December 30 after a coronavirus outbreak at the West London club.

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      Parker raged: “To confirm a (Wednesday) Premier League game at 9:30 on Monday morning is scandalous.
      “It is not about the fixture. I accept we have to play, but it is the notice. 
      “Maybe the people in these places making these decisions don’t understand how you manage teams and manage players.
      “To have a game called on with 48 hours’ notice, Jose will know too well that you plan structures and physical elements to players and what you do in the week and how you play for one game or another.
      “Tottenham knew they had a fixture. His team selection at the weekend suggested that. He will have planned for that with his team selection.
      “It is wrong. I am disappointed and angry. It is not right for numerous reasons. That is why I am so angry.”
      But Mourinho hit back: “Are you serious?
      “I had the news I was not going to play them two hours before the game started.

      I could ask why Aston Villa played Liverpool on Friday and don’t play against me on Wednesday. I’m not crying about that.
      Jose Mourinho

      “Do you want to finish the season or not? Do you want football to keep going or not? Do you want to be the only country in Europe without football or not?
      “Do we want the end of the season with champions, cup winners, relegation and with Europe, or we don’t? That’s the main question.
      “Come on, let’s play football. Let’s behave the best we can. Let’s protect our industry. Let’s protect our image and let’s play football.
      “I could also ask why Aston Villa played Liverpool in the Cup on Friday and don’t play against me on Wednesday. I’m not crying about that.”

      Villa’s kids put up a valiant effort against a strong Liverpool team on FridayCredit: Reuters

      Jose Mourinho’s Spurs will play their rearranged game against Fulham tonight instead of facing VillaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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      Man City’s Benjamin Mendy flouted lockdown AGAIN by flying girl in from Greece for four-day romp

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      COVIDIOT football star Benjamin Mendy flouted rules again when he flew a girl in from Greece for a four-day romp.
      We told last week how the Man City ace, 26, hosted a new year party for pals outside his bubble.

      Benjamin Mendy flew out Claudia Marino from Athens to his home for a four-day romp

      Claudia should have been self-isolating on arrival but instead stayed at Mendy’s house

      Mendy told Claudia to delete an Instagram video showing her inside his homeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But it was not his first breach — last summer he wooed Claudia Marino online then flew her from Athens to his £5million Cheshire home from June 29.
      The Government had ordered UK arrivals from June 6 to self-isolate for 14 days or face a fine.
      When Claudia, 22, sent him a screenshot of the strict measures alongside a sad emoji, Mendy replied: “U stay in my house.
      “It’s ok they don’t gonna check.”

      Mendy was caught breaking Covid rules after having a new year doCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Claudia admitted she’d been up for fun and said they romped.
      She added: “I’m not naive and I know what footballers are like but I thought it would be an experience.
      “He was single so I wasn’t hurting anybody.
      “We had some drinks and had a laugh. One day he took me to Leeds where he saw his dentist.”

      Claudia flew back to Greece on July 2
      Claudia flew back on July 2 and got a message from Mendy telling her to delete an Instagram video showing her inside his house.
      Mendy has apologised for his new year do.
      Guardiola still decided to name Mendy as a substitute for last Sunday’s Premier League win at Chelsea and then launched a passionate defence, saying: “Benjamin already had Covid in the past, he has been tested every day like all the other players.
      “He has explained, he knows what he has done and he will learn in the future. He is part of the group, he is one of the guys who is much beloved in our group.

      The 22-year-old said Mendy even took her to Leeds during her visit

      Mendy was named as a substitute for last Sunday’s Premier League win at ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “In the stands today he was the most active player. He is a special guy for us and has an incredible heart. I would like to see how many people will now judge him and see if they have the good intentions that he has.
      “But he has to understand some things. I would like to know how many people did this on New Year’s Eve, but normally in this society we judge others when first we should judge ourselves.
      “I’m not justifying it, he broke the rules. But don’t give too many lessons to others.”

      Pep Guardiola defends Benjamin Mendy over coronavirus breach insisting many people have maybe done the same
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      Man City star Benjamin Mendy flouted lockdown AGAIN by flying girl over from Greece for four-day romp

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      COVIDIOT footballer Benjamin Mendy flouted rules again when he flew a girl in from Greece for a four-day romp.
      We told last week how the Man City star, 26, hosted a new year party for pals outside his bubble.

      Benjamin Mendy flew out Claudia Marino from Athens to his home for a four-day romp

      Claudia should have been self-isolating on arrival but instead stayed at Mendy’s house

      Mendy told Claudia to delete an Instagram video showing her inside his homeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But it was not his first breach — last summer he wooed Claudia Marino online then flew her from Athens to his £5million Cheshire home from June 29.
      The Government had ordered UK arrivals from June 6 to self-isolate for 14 days or face a fine.
      When Claudia, 22, sent him a screenshot of the strict measures alongside a sad emoji, Mendy replied: “U stay in my house.
      “It’s ok they don’t gonna check.”

      Mendy was caught breaking Covid rules after having a new year doCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Claudia admitted she’d been up for fun and said they romped.
      She added: “I’m not naive and I know what footballers are like but I thought it would be an experience.
      “He was single so I wasn’t hurting anybody.
      “We had some drinks and had a laugh. One day he took me to Leeds where he saw his dentist.”

      Claudia flew back to Greece on July 2
      Claudia flew back on July 2 and got a message from Mendy telling her to delete an Instagram video showing her inside his house.
      Mendy has apologised for his new year do.
      Guardiola still decided to name Mendy as a substitute for last Sunday’s Premier League win at Chelsea and then launched a passionate defence, saying: “Benjamin already had Covid in the past, he has been tested every day like all the other players.
      “He has explained, he knows what he has done and he will learn in the future. He is part of the group, he is one of the guys who is much beloved in our group.

      The 22-year-old said Mendy even took her to Leeds during her visit

      Mendy was named as a substitute for last Sunday’s Premier League win at ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “In the stands today he was the most active player. He is a special guy for us and has an incredible heart. I would like to see how many people will now judge him and see if they have the good intentions that he has.
      “But he has to understand some things. I would like to know how many people did this on New Year’s Eve, but normally in this society we judge others when first we should judge ourselves.
      “I’m not justifying it, he broke the rules. But don’t give too many lessons to others.”

      Pep Guardiola defends Benjamin Mendy over coronavirus breach insisting many people have maybe done the same
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      Premier League clubs adding ‘Covid clauses’ into new deals which include PAY CUTS if fans are banned beyond this season

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are adding ‘Covid clauses’ into new contracts which include PAY CUTS if fans are banned from stadiums beyond this season.
      Clubs in the top-flight and EFL are scrambling to protect themselves financially should the pandemic worsen.

      Premier League clubs are considering adding ‘Covid clauses’ to players’ dealsCredit: Reuters

      Many teams have already been crippled by the loss of matchday income, with the EFL receiving a £250million bailout in December.
      But a number of clubs are concerned they could be left stranded should the situation surrounding coronavirus get even worse.
      The new strain of Covid has run rampant across the country, with the Government imposing a third full lockdown.
      And football clubs have not been immune from outbreaks, despite strict protocols.

      No fewer than 40 Premier League players and/or staff members returned positive results from their Covid tests last week, more than double the previous record of 18.
      This week’s official numbers saw a slight drop, with 36 positive results returned.
      With the pandemic already taking a downward turn, teams are now attempting to insert ‘Covid clauses’ into contracts for both new and existing players to cover themselves should fans remain locked out of grounds.
      Sky Sports News have now claimed clubs are in the midst of the trickiest transfer window ever.

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      Top-flight clubs are fearful of the financial repercussions of an extended period without fans in groundsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      A number of teams are already adding ‘Covid clauses’ into contracts of loan players, meaning the temporary deals can be cancelled and fees recouped in part.
      On top of that, any permanent transfer or new contract offer is claimed to have the clauses inserted.
      In this instance, there are certain clauses inserted, including pay cuts for players should fans remain banned from entering stadiums, to help cover the income lost on matchdays.
      Tottenham vs Aston Villa has become the FIFTH Premier League game to be axed due to Covid.
      The clash has been replaced by Tottenham vs Fulham in an unprecedented emergency scheduling change.
      Villa failed to get the green light to return to their Bodymoor Heath training ground after the Covid-19 outbreak that saw them field a youth team against Liverpool in the FA Cup.
      It means Fulham, who asked for the initial December 29 game at Tottenham to be postponed because of their own outbreak, will now have no option but to play this week.
      Despite the issues, Premier League bosses are unwilling to consider a ‘circuit break’ shutdown.
      A number of clubs from the lower reaches of the top-flight have begun to lobby for a three-week hiatus.
      But the vast majority of top flight clubs, including all of the Big Six, believe the show must go on.
      SunSport understands there has yet to be any suggestion of a formal proposal to put the Premier League on hold.

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      Premier League announces 36 coronavirus cases from two rounds of testing – but won’t consider ‘circuit break’ shutdown

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      PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs will not even consider a ‘circuit break’ shutdown – despite a growing push for hibernation.
      A number of clubs from the lower reaches of the top-flight have begun to lobby for a three-week hiatus.

      The Premier League has announced 36 Covid-19 cases from latest two rounds of testing

      Their argument was bolstered by the latest Covid-19 test figures which saw 36 positive results across the 20 top flight clubs. 
      The rebel clubs argue that a break would allow breathing space to deal with the mutant strains that have already caused chaos at Manchester City, Sheffield United, Fulham and Aston Villa.
      But while Scottish football’s lower tiers have been mothballed until next month, Prem bosses remain insistent that there is no reason to even consider a temporary shutdown.
      And that view is backed by the vast majority of top flight clubs, including all of the Big Six, who believe the show must go on.

      SunSport understands there has yet to be any suggestion of a formal proposal to put the Premier League on hold.
      West Brom boss Sam Allardyce has been the loudest voice for a closedown so far.
      But PL chief executive Richard Masters and his senior team have no interest in giving a platform for a debate over the issue.
      Among the Big Six, the view is that the clubs pushing for a break are seeking to prevent a final table being possible.

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      The total figure shows a slight drop, but the numbers are still far higher than in recent monthsCredit: Reuters

      While clubs did agree that, in the event of an uncompleted campaign,  points per game would be applied once a threshold had been reached, there was no deal on how many matches needed to be played for that point to be met.
      One club chief told SunSport: “It looks like a ploy to ensure we cannot finish the season before the Euros.
      “Of course, if the season is not completed, nobody can be relegated. 
      “But it is an incredibly short-sighted approach.”
      The Government has also given elite football the green light to continue, although there is concern over the lax application of the Covid protocols introduced as part of Project Restart in the summer.
      That remains the case despite the latest testing round which saw just four fewer positive cases than in the record figures recorded in the New Year week.
      All clubs are now being tested twice each week, with 85 samples taken per session.
      A total of 2,593 tests were taken, with 27 positive cases in the first round of samples and just nine out of 1,055 samples in the second.
      That lower figure is seen as a plus for the resting regime and a signal that clubs are    
      And unless there is a U-Turn from Downing Street, which is currently not under consideration, Premier League bosses are confident they will be able to continue to the end of the season.

      Premier League managers express concern at the impact of Covid-19 More