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      in Soccer

      Luka Milivojevic apologises for breaking coronavirus rules in NYE party with Fulham star Aleksandar Mitrovic

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      LUKA MILIVOJEVIC has apologised for breaking Covid rules by seeing in the New Year at a gathering with Fulham star Aleksandar Mitrovic.
      As revealed by SunSport on Friday, footage emerged on social media appearing to show the Serbian pair celebrating the arrival of 2021 along with friends and family members at a London residence.

      Luka Milivojevic has apologised for breaking coronavirus restrictionsCredit: Rex Features

      Aleksandar Mitrovic and Milivojevic were filmed ringing in the new year

      Milivojevic’s behaviour was blasted by Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson following Saturday’s 2-0 win over Sheffield United.
      And now Milivojevic has publicly said sorry, vowing to make a donation to the local NHS service.
      The Eagles skipper, 29, said in a statement: “I want to publicly apologise for my actions on New Year’s Eve.
      “As captain of Crystal Palace Football Club I am fully aware that my responsibilities go beyond football, and that in this instance, I have let the fans, the club, my manager and teammates down.

      “In what is a really difficult and challenging moment for everyone, I am truly grateful that I am able to continue to do the job I love and I do not take this for granted.
      “I am very sorry to anyone who has been made to feel angry, hurt or upset by my actions.
      “I am making a donation to the local NHS service to help them continue their incredible work in our community fighting this virus.”
      His boss at Selhurst Park was seething when he discovered the rule-break.

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      The behaviour is a breach of tier four rules amid a rise in coronavirus cases

      Hodgson said at the time: “Our take on it is we disapprove totally, we are very disappointed that one of our players has broken the guidelines from the government at a time when so many are suffering from having to adhere to these guidelines.
      “It’s something which we are very disappointed about. But we’ll take our responsibility, we’ll apologise to everybody.
      “We will certainly make sure that Luka not only apologises but understands that what he’s done is totally wrong and we’ll deal with the matter internally.” More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury will NOT happen in UK if fight agreed after coronavirus lockdown, confirms Eddie Hearn

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      EDDIE HEARN all-but confirmed Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury will NOT take place in the UK.
      Joshua’s Matchroom promoter blamed the latest coronavirus lockdown for the mega-clash being held abroad.

      Eddie Hearn has dashed hopes of Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua being held in the UKCredit: Mark Robinson Ltd

      The Matchroom promoter blamed the latest lockdownCredit: Richard Pelham

      The eagerly-anticipated heavyweight title unification fight is currently in the works, and both parties are confident a deal will soon be finalised.
      British fight fans are desperate for the clash to be held in the UK – with Wembley Stadium the preferred destination.
      But Hearn has poured cold water on that idea.
      He told the Mail: “Even before this current situation there was no guarantee we would do the first fight in the UK because it was almost impossible we would get clearance to have, say, 90,000 at Wembley in late May.

      “Now it is far, far more likely that it will be abroad.
      “There have been a lot of conversations between both sides in the past couple of weeks and we’re optimistic that we can tie up stuff in the next fortnight.”
      Earlier today, Hearn revealed the blockbuster showdown could be held in a ‘wacky’ location overseas.
      He told iFL TV: “There have been meetings taking place on where this fight is going to be held.

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      “There’s various countries. I’ve visited a few of them in the last few weeks and days and I think we’re in a good position. There’s some wacky stuff.
      “There’s some stuff you’d expect and again, I know everyone wants it in the UK but at the moment they aren’t even allowing boxing so we’ve got a long way to go.”
      Although an agreement has yet to be finalised, Hearn believes the biggest fight in the history of British boxing is almost a done deal.
      He added: “We’ve been drafting contracts, it’s not signed but the deal has been agreed for a long time, we’ve confirmed that in writing.
      “I feel like the fight is virtually there, to be honest with you. We’re in the final stages of everything that’s got to be worked out.”
      WBC king Fury continued his mind games with AJ this week by vowing to stop him inside two rounds.
      Hearn is loving the pre-fight build-up, saying: “I think it’s hotting up nicely. The mind games are starting.”

      Eddie Hearn casts doubt over Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury happening in UK More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Wayne Rooney’s Derby confirm coronavirus outbreak at club while Sheffield Wednesday forced to close training ground

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      DERBY COUNTY are the latest club to suffer a coronavirus outbreak.
      A number of first-team staff members and players have tested positive this week.

      Wayne Rooney’s side are 22nd in the Premier League table Credit: Alamy Live News

      Derby, who have Wayne Rooney as interim manager, have been forced to shut their training ground.
      The individuals that tested positive – who have not been named by the club – will now have to isolate.
      Saturday’s clash against Chorley in the third round of the FA Cup is now in doubt.
      A club statement read: “Derby County can confirm that several first-team staff members and players have tested positive for COVID-19.

      “Staff members and players were tested on Monday and have subsequently returned a number of positive results.
      “The names of those individuals will not be made public for medical confidentiality reasons, but they and their close contacts must now serve a period of isolation at home in line with UK Government guidelines.
      “In accordance with Derby County and EFL COVID-19 protocol, the club’s Moor Farm training ground has been closed with immediate effect.
      “In addition, the club is in dialogue with the EFL and Football Association in relation to upcoming fixtures.

      Derby County can confirm that several first-team staff members and players have tested positive for COVID-19.Full statement👇
      — Derby County (@dcfcofficial) January 4, 2021

      “This decision has been taken to prevent the spread of the virus and protect club employees and their family members.
      “Derby County would like to wish the individuals that have returned a positive COVID-19 test result a quick and safe return to full health.”
      Sheffield Wednesday’s training ground has also reportedly been closed due to an outbreak.
      According to The Telegraph, the club’s Middlewood Road base will be shut until Thursday.
      Meanwhile, Oxford United have suspended two youth team stars after they breached the rules and attended a New Year’s eve party.
      Club bosses at the League One side reportedly wanted to sack the Under-21 and Under-18 stars on the spot.
      A final decision was not made, but The Athletic claim their futures will be made as soon as possible.

      Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney reveals he smashed Ravel Morrison’s BlackBerry phone More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League and EFL WILL continue despite coronavirus lockdown as elite sport given green light

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      PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs received the news they needed from Boris Johnson: The show can go on.
      The Prime Minister announced a new national lockdown on Monday night as the mutant Covid strains spread out of control.

      Premier League and EFL games will continue to be played in lockdownCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group

      Boris Johnson announced strict new measures on Monday but elite sport is exemptCredit: PA:Press Association

      But despite League bosses set to reveal on Tuesday there were a record number of positive tests among clubs last week, elite football received the green light to keep playing.
      Prem chiefs had spent recent weeks liaising with the Government in a bid to ensure football was not shut down again.
      Those fears abated after the Scottish Government expressly excluded ‘those involved in professional sports, for training, coaching or competing in an event’ from the ‘stay at home’ order, with the UK Government following suit.
      Grassroots football – starting from the seventh tier – will be stopped under the new rules.

      But the FA have also been assured the FA Cup is safe ahead of this weekend’s third round fixtures, with eighth-tier Marine still permitted to host Tottenham.
      Prem clubs have been hugely embarrassed by a spate of Christmas Covidiocy.
      Spurs trio Erik Lamela, Giovani Lo Celso and Sergio Reguilon, West Ham’s Manual Lanzini, Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, Crystal Palace skipper Luka Milivojevic and Manchester City full-back Benjamin Mendy have all been carpeted for breaching regulations.
      The latest figures are expected to show a marked increase in positive tests following the outbreaks at Man City, Fulham and Sheffield United.

      Several Premier League stars have already flouted Covid rules

      Man City’s Benjamin Mendy threw a New Year party which broke rules

      Last week there were 18 positive tests from 1,479 tests across the 20 clubs between December 21 and 28, the previous highest number recorded.
      But it is anticipated that the latest seven-day figure will be over 30.
      However, the confirmation that professional football has the go-ahead to continue — while all ‘parks’ sport, including youth matches, must stop — will still have been a significant relief.
      Clubs will again be reminded of the need to adhere strictly to Covid protocols around training grounds and on matchdays.
      Especially as there has been a 50 per cent rise in the number of patients in hospitals with Covid since Christmas Day, and in excess of 50,000 new infections each day across the UK.
      SunSport revealed how League chief executive Richard Masters emailed all 20 clubs last week to reinforce the necessity of meeting the requirement brought in last June.
      The Prime Minister’s new lockdown regulations came as Brentford boss Thomas Frank demanded identical Covid-19 testing guidelines across the Premier League and the EFL.

      Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic and Crystal Palace’s Luka Milivojevic were filmed bringing in the new year
      Prem players are currently tested twice a week but there are NO coronavirus-testing regulations in place in the EFL.
      And Frank warned: “It’s very important the EFL, the Premier League and the FA find some kind of guidelines across the four leagues and the cup tournaments.
      “If you don’t have consistency it will extend the season again and then we are into the Euros.”
      Man City announced on Monday four of their women’s team have tested positive for coronavirus, while Sheffield Wednesday have closed their Middlewood Road training ground because of a Covid outbreak.
      League One Oxford United have suspended two youth-team players after they allegedly broke Covid-19 rules to attend a New Year’s Eve party.
      Oxford have launched an investigation and the pair could become the first British professional footballers to be sacked for breaching rules brought in to stop the spread of the virus.

      Boris Johnson announces third national lockdown to combat mutant covid strain More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League stars can continue being Covidiots because NOBODY will punish them if they do after Benjamin Mendy breach

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      PREMIER LEAGUE stars have been given the green light to carry on being Covidiots – because no-one in the game will punish them if they do.
      Fans have been left stunned after a series of breaches of strict government regulations by top footballers in recent weeks at a time when the rest of the country is making huge personal sacrifices.

      Benjamin Mendy is the latest player to breach strict guidelinesCredit: Getty

      Benjamin Mendy is the latest to be exposed – joining players from Arsenal, West Ham, Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Fulham being selfish in thinking the rules do not apply to them.
      But they have now been given licence to carry on breaking the rules in the knowledge they will not be punished – because football bosses don’t think it is their job to enforce discipline.
      SunSport understands none of the blatant rule breaches – which threaten the tightly-protected bubbles at each club and allow for matches to be played – will be subject to any action from the Premier League.
      The FA’s rules do not give them jurisdiction to bring forward any charges, saying responsibility for behaviour of the players in this area is down to the league.

      But despite huge holes being shot through their procedures to protect the safety of other players and staff, the league are absolving themselves of any responsibility.
      Instead they think the players have broken government guidelines and not their own, so they will not take any action.
      They claim their own protocols only cover medical and training ground procedures to ensure social distancing and minimising the threat of spread of coronavirus.
      And they say it is for the clubs to discipline any players found to have been Covidiots.

      But with Luka Milivojevic being named in the Palace side as captain for Saturday’s win over Sheffield United two days after his own breach, players know nothing other than a token fine will be applied for any indiscretions.

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      They claim their own protocols only cover medical and training ground procedures to ensure social distancing and minimising the threat of spread of coronavirus.
      And they say it is for the clubs to discipline any players found to have been Covidiots.
      But with Luka Milivojevic being named in the Palace side as captain for Saturday’s win over Sheffield United two days after his own breach, players know nothing other than a token fine will be applied for any indiscretions.

      Pep Guardiola defends Benjamin Mendy over coronavirus breach insisting many people have maybe done the same More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Paul Scholes faces neighbours’ fury as kids flout Covid rules with New Year’s party

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      PAUL Scholes’ neighbours complained after his grown-up kids threw a new year’s fancy dress party with a gang of pals — breaching coronavirus rules.
      The Man United legend’s daughter Alicia, 19, put pics on social media.

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      Paul Scholes’ neighbours complained after his kids threw a new year’s fancy dress partyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The former footballer’s daughter Alicia (far right) posed with eight palsCredit: INSTAGRAM/ALICIA SCHOLES

      Dressed as an angel, she posed with eight pals at Paul’s mansion in Tier 4 Oldham.
      Her brother Arron, 21, was also pictured alongside half a dozen pals.
      Paul was not in any of the snaps.

      His agent did not respond to a request for comment.

      19-year-old Alicia posted pictures on social mediaCredit: INSTAGRAM/ALICIA SCHOLES

      The party was held at Paul’s mansion in Tier 4 OldhamCredit: INSTAGRAM/ALICIA SCHOLES

      The party breached coronavirus rulesCredit: INSTAGRAM/ALICIA SCHOLES

      Man Utd legend Paul Scholes’ son Arron scores a screamer just like his old man for ninth-tier Chadderton
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    • 175 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Fulham ‘looking into’ Aleksandar Mitrovic’s alleged NYE coronavirus breaches as Palace investigate Luka Milivojevic

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      FULHAM are ‘looking into’ allegations one of their players and a Crystal Palace star broke Covid rules.
      Aleksandar Mitrovic and Luka Milivojevic were filmed together on Instagram by the Fulham striker’s long-term partner Kristina Janjic at a London New Year party.

      Aleksandar Mitrovic and Luka Milivojevic were filmed bringing in the new yearCredit: Instagram

      The behaviour is a breach of tier four rules amid a rise in coronavirus casesCredit: Instagram

      In one of the Insta story videos the footage says ‘Happy New Year 2021’ as the Serbian pair appear to celebrate with at least seven other adults.
      Then a later story posted shows Mitrovic playing football with Eagles captain Milivojevic as well as another man – who appears in the earlier video – and two children wearing this season’s Fulham kits.
      Milivojevic’s wife Milica is tagged in the posts – and Janjic has since deleted her Instagram account to raise even further suspicion over the footballer’s conduct.
      Fulham confirmed: “Following reports regarding Aleksandar Mitrović breaking Tier 4 restrictions and Fulham FC Covid protocols, the Club is looking into the matter fully as it takes a breach of the rules extremely seriously.

      “The player is aware of the Club’s disappointment and of the standards that are expected of him. The matter will now be dealt with internally.”
      The capital is now in Tier Four as a rise in Covid-19 cases threatens to put a halt to the Prem season.
      Mitrovic’s Fulham had their midweek clash at Tottenham postponed after an outbreak of positive tests in Scott Parker’s squad.
      The video surfaced prior to Fulham’s trip to Burnley tomorrow being postponed due to more positive test results in the Cottagers squad.

      The footage emerged on Mitrovic’s partner Kristina Janjic’s Instagram accountCredit: Instagram

      A statement from Fulham read: “Following further new positive results returned from the most recent Covid-19 tests, the Club can confirm that this Sunday’s away at fixture at Burnley has been postponed after discussions with the Premier League and advice from the medical teams.
      “Those who tested positive are self-isolating in line with UK Government and Premier League guidance.
      “The welfare of our players, staff and their families continue to be of paramount importance, and we wish those who have tested positive a safe and speedy recovery.”

      Aleksandar Mitrovic in action for Fulham against Southampton on Boxing DayCredit: Rex Features

      Luka Milivojevic playing for Palace against Leicester on December 28Credit: EPA

      Premier League clubs consider short-term shutdown after rise in coronavirus cases with matches postponed More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Rangers vs Celtic: Hundreds of Gers ultras flout Covid rules and sing sectarian chant ahead of Old Firm derby

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      HUNDREDS of Rangers fans breached coronavirus restrictions as they gathered on the eve of the Old Firm derby to sing a sectarian chant.
      Video footage has emerged online of the Union Bears, a Gers fans’ group, lined up next to the River Clyde in Glasgow.

      The Rangers fans’ group, the Union Bears, out in force

      Standing directly underneath the Kingston Bridge, the ‘ultras’ wore dark clothing and face coverings as they posed for pictures ahead of the crunch derby encounter.
      Blatantly breaking the Scottish Government’s coronavirus Tier 4 rules, the majority of the group maintained no social distancing.
      As well as a picture of the hundred-strong group, the Union Bears posted a clip of them belting out sectarian chant, known as the ‘Billy Boys’ ahead of Celtic’s short trip to Govan this lunchtime.
      The Light Blues fans also spray-painted the wall behind them, part of the famous bridge which connects the M8 to the city centre.

      Graffitied in red writing, it simply read: “Union Bears. Rangers.”
      The group’s social media posts have racked up thousands of likes since they were shared late on New Year’s Day.
      Fans have of course not been able to attend football in most parts of Scotland since the initial Covid outbreak in March last year.
      The derby match, held at Ibrox, will be played behind closed doors.

      The group posted a video of them signing the ‘Billy Boys’
      Rangers lead their arch rivals by 16 points and could extend that gap to 19 with a win, although the Hoops do have three games in hand.
      Meanwhile, a banner has been attached to the Celtic Park ring of steel to pay respects to the victims of the Ibrox disaster.
      Today marks the 50th anniversary of the tragedy when 66 Rangers supporters went to watch their team and didn’t return home, in one of Scotland’s biggest tragedies.
      The banner reads: “Ibrox Disaster 1971. We remember and pray for the victims and their families.”

      Rangers won the last Old Firm thanks to a Connor Goldson doubleCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.

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