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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury reveals he was meant to meet Donald Trump for lunch and Pope before coronavirus axed meetings

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      TYSON FURY has revealed coronavirus restrictions put paid to him meeting Donald Trump and THE POPE.
      As well as seeing a potential December homecoming fight hit the buffers, it seems the Gypsy King missed out on meeting some seriously big names outside the ring.

      Tyson Fury has revealed coronavirus has cost him the chance to meet a couple of VERY famous peopleCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Donald Trump wanted to meet the Gypsy King but that had to be postponedCredit: AFP or licensors

      Fury is believed to be in negotiations for an undisputed clash against Anthony Joshua next year.
      But with the UK plunged into harsh new Covid-19 restrictions, the chances of it happening abroad are even higher.
      Fury will be hoping he would be permitted to travel for that having missed out on meeting two other big hitters.
      Speaking to this month’s Big Issue magazine, the 32-year-old said: “I was supposed to go and meet Donald Trump for lunch. But that got cancelled because of Covid.

      “And I was supposed to meet the Pope, but that had to be rescheduled too.
      “It’s quite a crazy feeling, to be honest, that these people will want to meet me. So I’ll take advantage of it.
      “And, you know, maybe I could learn something from these people, even if I’m around them for 30 seconds. See how they are, how they act. Never stop learning.”
      Fury also opened up on his mental health battles to the magazine, and told those who sell the publication to ‘stay positive and stay focused on the short-term goal’.

      Fury had even planned a chat with the head of the Catholic ChurchCredit: AFP or licensors

      Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed the all-British heavyweight showdown between Fury and Joshua has been verbally agreed.
      The blockbuster bout is likely to take place between next May or June after a breakthrough in negotiations.
      Matchroom boss Hearn admitted that ‘minor issues’ need to be resolved before an official date is confirmed.
      It is set to be one of the biggest British showdowns ever as the two giants to head-to-head to determine who will be crowned undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
      AJ FIGHT ‘VERBALLY AGREED’
      The Athletic’s Mike Coppinger wrote on social media: “Eddie Hearn says Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua is verbally agreed to and contracts are being drafted for the heavyweight championship fight in May/June. 
      “Hearn says only ‘minor issues to resolve’ such as who walks last, the site, etc. This fight is going to happen next.”
      It is likely to be a two-fight deal worth a staggering £500million while the destination could be in the Middle East.

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      in Athletics

      Team GB Olympic hopefuls told they CAN have coronavirus vaccine over fears it could contribute to failed drug tests

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      BRITISH Tokyo Olympic hopefuls have been reassured they CAN take the Covid-19 vaccine without danger of it contributing to failed doping tests.
      UK anti-doping chiefs admitted last week that they were unable to be certain if there was a risk of the vaccine bringing positive test results.

      Team GB Olympic hopefuls have been reassured they can take the Covid-19 vaccine before the the GamesCredit: EPA

      But world bosses have now confirmed the vaccine does not contain any prescribed substances.
      UKAD’s Head of Science and Medicine, Nick Wojek said: “We welcome the statement made by WADA regarding their position on COVID-19 vaccines. 
      “UK athletes should feel confident that they will not be in breach of the World Anti-Doping Code if they receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
      “The health and wellbeing of athletes is of primary importance to us and we understand the deployment of new vaccines will raise questions from athletes. 

      “We will continue to liaise with WADA so that athletes continue to receive the assurances they need about the anti-doping status of new vaccines as they are approved for use.”
      Meanwhile, chiefs are confident fans will be able to attend the Games in Tokyo under plans to vaccinate spectators and athletes upon their arrival in Japan.
      International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach said recently: “In order to protect the Japanese people, and out of respect for the Japanese people, the IOC will undertake great effort so that Olympic participants and visitors will arrive here vaccinated if, by then, a vaccine is available.”
      The 2020 Summer Olympics were originally due to start last July.

      But they were postponed for a year due to the outbreak of the pandemic.
      It had been claimed the Olympics would not go ahead without a vaccine.
      Should that scenario unfold, it would be only the fourth time in modern history that the event would have been cancelled
      The other three times were called off due to the two World Wars, in 1916, 1940 and 1944.

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea boss Frank Lampard calls for fans to be EXEMPT from Tier 3 restrictions as supporters are banned in London

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      FRANK LAMPARD has called on the Government to reverse its decision to ban fans from football stadiums in Tier 3.
      London and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire will move into the highest level of coronavirus restrictions this week.

      Frank Lampard was only able to enjoy two games with fans at Stamford BridgeCredit: AFP or licensors

      Chelsea’s home must shut its doors again after entering Tier 3 restrictionsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Chelsea will therefore be among the several clubs having to shut their doors to supporters despite hosting two games with 2,000 spectators.
      But the Blues boss, 42, is confident that the recent re-opening of grounds is not responsible for a rise in coronavirus cases.
      He said ahead of the Government’s announcement: “Let’s get it right, we are making it up as we go along because we’ve never been in this position before.
      “And I think when you are talking about if clubs can control the situation, then I think that they’ve shown so far that they can.

      “So I would like to have thought that something could be done to make it exempt where we can get that 2,000 number in.
      “But that goes above my station, I’m just saying what I think.”

      Of the Premier League, only Liverpool, Everton, Brighton and Southampton will be allowed to host 2,000 fans under the current tier guidelines.
      The latest enforcement of Tier 3 rules has led to a situation where the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace is allowed only one night of attendees.

      And Championship duo Queens Park Rangers and Watford are among those allowed supporters at their home games on Tuesday night, because the restrictions start at 00.01am on Wednesday morning.

      Chelsea play Wolves later today at Molineux, a ground that has remained in Tier 3 since the system was imposed earlier this month.
      Half of the top-flight, including clubs around Manchester, Yorkshire and the Midlands, are hoping to get the green light to re-open stadiums this week.
      Lampard does admit that it would be more fair to have a ‘level playing field’ where all clubs are allowed 2,000 fans.
      He added: “Even though we’ve been in Tier 2 and had fans in for a couple of games, I did feel that it should have been a level playing field with fans if some clubs can have them and some can’t.

      We’ve seen already and felt it, the backing fans give you and what it does to the game – and I think that should be pretty level.
      Frank Lampard

      “We’ve seen already and felt it, the backing that they give you and what it does to the game – and I think that should be pretty level.
      “I also think we can control 2,000 fans coming into a stadium if they are coming from within a tier or whatever to keep things moving along. So it’s unfortunate to say the least.”
      Tier 3 restrictions, which also close restaurants, theatres and pubs, will mean Chelsea’s upcoming home games against West Ham, Aston Villa and Manchester City take place behind closed doors.
      The system will be reviewed in a number of weeks with the rest of the country’s guidelines potentially changing in a few days’ time.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Mayor of London Sadiq Khan says if the government move London into Tier 3 they need to ‘provide additional support’ More

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      in Soccer

      Harry Redknapp and Sam Allardyce to manage in charity football match next week and raise funds for coronavirus relief

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      HARRY REDKNAPP and Sam Allardyce will go head-to-head in a star-studded celebrity football match to raise funds for Covid-19 charity Mask Our Heroes.
      #COVAID will be staged in front of a bubble of fans in a fully-sanitised stadium with every player and fan tested for the virus before kick-off.

      Harry Redknapp will be back in the manager’s dugout for a Covid charity match

      Former England manager Allardyce will manage the My Club Group XI, assisted by former England and Liverpool midfielder Sammy Lee.
      Ex-West Ham, AFC Bournemouth and Tottenham boss Redknapp will take charge of the Mask Our Heroes XI, representing a charity specialising in Covid safety, delivering crucial PPE to hospitals, care homes, hospices and schools.
      Several big-name stars from the sports and entertainment world will line up against each other.
      The Mask Our Heroes XI will be captained by the charity’s co-founder, Hollywood actor Tamer Hassan.

      And the team will feature former professional footballers Anton Ferdinand, Jimmy Bullard, TV’s Calum Best and social media sensations Arron Crascall and Dapper Laughs.
      Other former players lacing up the boots again include Emile Heskey, Bobby Zamora, Wayne Bridge and Joey Barton.
      Champion jockey Oisin Murphy, ITV Racing presenter Oli Bell, Rugby World Cup winner Kyran Bracken and former Blue singer Anthony Costa will also take to the field.
      Redknapp said: “I cannot wait to get back into the managerial game – and for a cause as good as Mask Our Heroes.

      “Sam is the best of rivals and I look forward to going head-to-head with him once again.

      Former England boss Sam Allardyce will go up against his mate RedknappCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      WHO ARE INVOLVED?

      A little bit about the hosts…

      Mask Our Heroes are a charity specialising in COVID safety, delivering crucial PPE to hospitals, care homes, hospices and schools.
      Entrepreneur Matt McGahan set up Mask Our Heroes in memory of his father, Alan, who tragically died from coronavirus in March.
      Proceeds from the All-Star charity match will go to Mask Our Heroes.
      My Club Group is the support community for grassroots sports.
      My Club connects clubs with revenue-generating opportunities including grants, advertising opportunities, and an eCommerce store, and helps clubs save money by providing specialist products including kit and hygiene.

      “It should be a fun and safe day and I hope this event can demonstrate how sporting fixtures can take place in a secure Covid-free bubble – and one step closer to getting meaningful numbers of fans back in stadiums around the country.
      “The players miss it. The fans miss it. The country misses it. Bring it on Big Sam!”
      Allardyce is equally looking forward to the game, adding: “Harry and I have had some battles in the past and we always enjoy pitting our wits against each other.
      “This time will be no different, and all for a great cause.
      “Mask Our Heroes do excellent work in helping provide PPE to those organisations that need it, and it is wonderful that we have the chance to support them.
      “But equally, this game will show that fans can safely return to sporting events, as it cannot be emphasised enough that clubs and those businesses on the periphery are struggling financially without matchday income. It is vital that we get fans back in stadiums.”

      TV star Calum Best has football genes from his father, the legendary George BestCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Emile Heskey will also lace back up the bootsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Organisers believe the game could be a blueprint for sporting events to take place safely in front of greater numbers of supporters, rather than the maximum 2,000 currently permitted outside of Tier 1 areas at England’s football stadia.
      The match will take place at Chelmsford City Football Club’s EMG Inspire Stadium on Sunday, December 20 with a 3pm kick-off.
      Fans can pre-book a ticket for the charity match online, starting from £5 [pay per view] and £29 to attend.
      Before entering the stadium, every fan will take a rapid, anti-gen Covid-19 test, administered by healthcare professionals.
      The results of the test will be known within 15 minutes and once a fan has received the negative test, they will be free to enter the stadium.
      Any fan who receives a positive test will be told to go home and self-isolate. They will be offered a ticket for another Chelmsford City FC game.
      To book your ticket for the all-star game, click here.

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      in Soccer

      Steve Bruce hails ‘poorly’ Isaac Hayden for getting off Covid sickbed to inspire Newcastle to victory over West Brom

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      STEVE BRUCE hailed ‘poorly’ Isaac Hayden for getting off his Covid sickbed to inspire Newcastle to a 2-1 victory against West Brom.
      Hayden was one of THREE starters who had been struck down with coronavirus over the last fortnight.

      Isaac Hayden has been hailed by his Newcastle boss Steve Bruce

      Bruce revealed the disease ‘knocked Isaac to hell’ but the midfielder put in an incredible display as a makeshift  centre-back.
      A goal after just 19 seconds from Miguel Almiron and sub Dwight Gayle’s header eight minutes from time made it back-to-back wins for the Magpies.
      And the Toon boss said: “Isaac was one of the poorly ones.
      “To get himself out of bed and dust himself down to produce a performance like that, out of position, was great to see.

      “We didn’t have many more options at the back.
      “He is arguably our fittest player and he was in bed for 10 days. It knocked Isaac to hell.
      “We had three playing today who had the virus. Obviously they are negative but fatigue is the key.
      “The way it ripped through everyone was frightening.

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      “It’s been a really challenging 10 days or so I can’t give enough credit to them.
      Almiron’s strike was the fastest goal of the season so far, and the second quickest Toon strike in the Prem after Alan Shearer’s 10 second goal against Manchester City in 2003.
      Darnell Furlong pulled one back for the Baggies before sub Dwight Gayle nodded home fellow replacement Jacob Murphy’s superb cross.

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton opens up on ‘hardest week I’ve had for some time’ after getting coronavirus as he targets Abu Dhabi GP

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has revealed he’s endured the ‘hardest week in some time’ after testing positive for coronavirus. The seven-time F1 world champion, 35, missed the Sakhir GP after being hit hard by the virus. Hamilton has now opened up on his horror week and revealed he hopes to be fit and well for the final […] More

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      in Soccer

      Newcastle vs West Brom at risk of being axed with crisis-hit Toon’s coronavirus cases ‘well into double figures’

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      NEWCASTLE’S game with West Brom is at risk of being axed with the crisis-hit club’s coronavirus cases ‘well into double figures’, according to reports.
      Steve Bruce’s side were the first club to see a game called off since March after they pulled the plug on their clash with Aston Villa due to a spate of positive coronavirus results in the squad.

      Newcastle vs West Brom could be axed due to Covid sweeping through Steve Bruce’s squadCredit: Reuters

      Newcastle’s training ground has been closed for ten days already – and remains shut today, despite hopes they would return – with Saturday’s game now in jeopardy.
      West Brom were due to visit St James’ Park for the 3pm kick-off.
      But with coronavirus cases in the Newcastle squad now ‘well into double figures’, according to The Telegraph, that looks to be almost impossible.
      On November 27, Newcastle beat Crystal Palace 2-0 in their most-recent game.

      Bruce was later informed two of his players who had earlier returned negative test results for Covid-19 had since tested positive.
      Those players had been mingling with the Newcastle squad in the lead-up to – as well as during – the match in South London.
      Now it’s claimed at least ten players in the Toon group have tested positive for coronavirus.
      Newcastle are yet to confirm the official number.

      Newcastle may be forced to postpone a second game in a rowCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But it’s believed Bruce would struggle to get 11 players on the pitch for the visit of West Brom this weekend.
      Newcastle are awaiting the results from the latest round of coronavirus tests before debating asking the Premier League for permission to postpone their second game in a row.
      The Magpies will now have to wait until Tuesday at the earliest to see if they can finally get back to training.
      West Brom boss Slaven Bilic revealed he hopes the game can go ahead, with fears the missing game could wreck his players confidence in their bid to avoid relegation.
      Bilic said: “To be fair, I’d like to play that game [against Newcastle]…
      “Not because there’s a chance that they’ll not be fully fit for that game, but because having a game in hand sounds good – if you’re at the top of the table.
      “If you’re lacking points, it affects the table and the table affects your mentality, it affects the media, it affects the confidence.
      “One game, OK. But if it becomes two games in hand, then the gap is bigger and you’re not in the position you want to be, it becomes a significant problem.”

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      in Soccer

      Aston Villa stars Jack Grealish and Ross Barkley break strict coronavirus rules with day of partying in London

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      FOOTBALL stars Jack Grealish and Ross Barkley broke strict coronavirus rules yesterday with a day of partying.
      Video footage shows the England and Aston Villa team-mates at a restaurant in London’s Mayfair.

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

      Jack Grealish was seen breaking coronavirus rules as he partied in LondonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ross Barkley also travelled from Tier 3 Birmingham to Tier 2 LondonCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The pair are seen in the crowded restaurant with other partygoers in breach of the Tier 2 rule which states “you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place”.
      Grealish, 25,  joined Barkley to celebrate his 27th birthday.
      Witnesses saw their group downing champagne, vodka and beer at Bagatelle restaurant from around 3pm.

      They were said to still be drinking into the evening.
      A fellow diner said: “You wouldn’t have thought there was a global health pandemic going on. They were arrogantly partying without a care.
      “Staff wore masks but Grealish and Barkley didn’t.”

      Aston Villa’s Matt Targett, Jack Grealish and John McGinn pose together in July

      Ross Barkley with famed Ibiza bartender Mojitoman in 2018Credit: Social Media – Refer to Source

      One clip shows Barkley seemingly having a row with another man.  Others show him high-fiving and hugging other revellers, while Grealish is seen dancing and then sat talking to two women at a table.
      The pair’s home Premier League match against Newcastle on Friday was called off because of a Covid outbreak in the visitors’ camp.

      Grealish has breached Covid rules before. Last month he admitted careless driving in the first lockdown when he defied a ban on  non-essential travel.
      At the time  in March, he said: “I am old enough now and mature enough to know  I’d done wrong.”
      A representative of Ross Barkley said the player had wholeheartedly apologised for his behaviour and deeply regretted it and would make a full statement in due course.
      An Aston Villa spokesperson said: “Having reviewed footage forwarded to us on Saturday, it appears as though two of our players who live in Tier 2 areas of the country were eating in a restaurant in a tier 2 location on Saturday afternoon during a weekend off. They left the restaurant at 7.45pm.”

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