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      Football clubs across the country will have fans back in stadiums this season if we work together

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      AFTER a year of sacrifices, we all need a bit of festive cheer.
      So it’s great to see the return of some of the things we love in the lead-up to Christmas.

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

      If we work together football clubs across the country will have fans back in stadiums this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      National measures are thankfully coming to an end.
      We committed to bring grassroots sport back as soon as possible – and from 2 December, kids will be grabbing their boot bags, and brave lido lovers digging out their swim hats after a month-long break.

      People can get back in the gym, and in large parts of the country, sports fans will finally start hearing the satisfying click of the turnstiles.
      We are making real progress, and it’s all thanks to your hard work. But we need one big winter push to carry us safely into the spring.
      TOUGHEST MEASURES
      We are going back into regional tiers to control the virus and deliver some normality at Christmas.
      To safeguard the gains we have made, we will move back into a regional, tiered approach from Wednesday.

      Where coronavirus cases are still high, we need to apply the toughest measures to stop the spread, protect the NHS and save the lives of our loved ones.
      I recognise how difficult this must be, particularly for those areas that have been under restrictions for so long, but we can’t undo the progress we have made.

      We all want to see the back of these measures, and the government is doing everything it can to help these areas step down the tiers.
      We’ll be reviewing the tiers every fortnight, and ploughing in extra help and community testing to Tier 3 areas.
      If everyone plays their part, we’ll be able reduce transmission in these areas and move them down into a lower tier.
      Look at Liverpool. People there have made a monumental effort to get cases down with support and community testing.
      ‘SADLY IT’S NOT OVER YET’
      As a result, this week they’ll be moving into Tier 2. Fans will be able to get back into Anfield and Goodison Park.
      I’d much rather get every fan back in – if only it was safe to do so. But in talking to sports bodies and leagues over recent weeks, we agreed that getting some fans in is better than nothing. It’s a welcome start.
      It shows the doubters it can be done safely with careful planning by clubs, clear guidance from authorities and the cooperation of fans.
      I’m confident that if we work together, clubs across the country will have fans back this season.

      In the months ahead, with the hope of a vaccine being rolled out, coupled with community testing, we’ll have a clear route to follow to get larger numbers together next spring.
      We still have work to do, and sadly it’s not over yet.
      But we’re making real progress towards normal life again. I for one am counting down the days.

      Vanderbilt’s Sarah Fuller makes history to become first woman in college football to play in a Power 5 game
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      West Brom suffer secret coronavirus outbreak with 15 cases including Kieran Gibbs and captain Jake Livermore

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      SLAVEN BILIC has revealed West Brom suffered a secret Covid-crisis during the international break – with 15 cases at the height of the outbreak.
      Defender Kieran Gibbs and captain Jake Livermore both missed last week’s 1-0 defeat at Manchester United after contracting Covid-19, with one of them unlikely to recover in time to face Sheffield United tomorrow night.

      West Brom captain Jake Livermore was one of 15 coronavirus cases within the Baggies’ campCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Bilic did not reveal how many other players tested positive and how many others were forced to self-isolate after coming into contact with an affected teammate.
      But he admitted he was grateful the virus struck while the Premier League was in cold storage.
      Bilic shuddered to think of the damage it could have done to the Baggies’ hopes of survival if the outbreak had swept through his squad during a busy period.
      His West Brom side sit 19th in the table and are still without a win after nine matches.

      He revealed: “I have to praise our medical team because a couple of weeks ago we had many cases.
      “Maybe 15 cases, it was a high amount.
      “They didn’t affect the game that much, although a few of them weren’t in the squad against Manchester United.
      “But if there is such a thing, it was good timing because it happened during the international break.

      Slaven Bilic was without a number of first-team players at Old Trafford after the outbreak during the international breakCredit: Reuters

      “Thanks to our medical team and the players and staff who looked after themselves, all the tests on Monday were negative and training has been back to normal.
      “Jake and Kieran Gibbs have now tested negative.
      “Unfortunately one of them still feels a bit rough so, for one of them, the Sheffield United game is probably going to be a bit too early.”

      Football fans give their opinions on supporting their teams from the terraces again as they speak to Sun Sport outside the Emirates stadium More

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      Man Utd banned from fan return in Tier 3 but Arsenal and Chelsea to have 2,000 in next week for first time in 9 months

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      LONDON clubs have been given the go-ahead to welcome fans back to stadiums from next week.
      The Government’s new coronavirus lockdown tier system comes into place after December 2 with Manchester and Leeds among those facing the biggest restrictions.

      Anfield will finally be allowed to welcome fans to greet champions LiverpoolCredit: Reuters

      Old Trafford is one of ten Prem grounds that must remain shut in Tier 3Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      On Thursday, each area of the country discovered which tier it was being designated.
      London and Liverpool were among the areas in Tier 2, allowing 2,000 fans back into stadiums with social distancing.
      Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed to Parliament that the mass testing regime on Merseyside has allowed Liverpool to move out of Tier 3.
      It means the champions will be allowed to finally open the Anfield turnstiles for next weekend’s game with Wolves.

      Brighton’s local affair with Southampton, Chelsea’s clash with Leeds, the North London derby between Spurs and Arsenal and Manchester United’s trip to West Ham can all now take place with some fans inside.
      Crystal Palace, Fulham, Southampton, Arsenal and Everton have the green light to host supporters the week after.

      But Wolves, Leeds, Manchester clubs United and City, and Newcastle are among the teams which must keep their games behind closed doors.
      Burnley, Aston Villa, West Brom, Leicester and Sheffield United complete the list of clubs in Tier 3.

      The confirmation of the tiers – which also apply to EFL and National League clubs – means that no professional grounds will be able to let in the Tier 1 limit of 4,000 fans from next week.
      EFL chiefs are seeking to move matches scheduled for Tuesday back by 24 hours to allow some fans inside for the first time since March.
      But it means Premier League clubs in particular have a limited window to decide which fans are given the chance to watch their teams in action.
      Spurs have some 40,000 season ticket holders and the North London derby is arguably the most eagerly-awaited game of the season.

      But only one in every 20 season ticket holders will be allowed in if there are NO corporate guests, with just one in every 30 seats at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium occupied.
      Similar issues face Liverpool, with Anfield’s 53,000 capacity, and West Ham, who can also get 60,000-plus into the London Stadium.
      Fans eagerly await the league’s decision on December’s fixture schedule, with kick-off times still to be decided.
      A number of clubs not included in today’s announcement maintain they are ready to welcome supporters back as soon as possible.
      Manchester United stated: “Our plans for safely welcoming fans back to Old Trafford are well advanced and we look forward to doing so, as soon as we are given the go-ahead.
      “We will continue to work with local authorities on finalising our plans so that we can move quickly when our area comes out of Tier 3.”
      Arsenal will hope to be the first English club to welcome back fans on December 3 when Rapid Vienna visit Emirates Stadium.
      That match comes eight-and-a-half months after coach Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus, which heightened calls for football’s abandonment in England.

      Not since March 9 have fans been allowed to watch a live Premier League game from the stands – Leicester’s 4-0 win over Aston Villa.
      What followed was a three-month shutdown of the game while the country entered a strict lockdown.
      Top-level football returned in June and the season was seen out behind closed doors, with countries such as France and Germany initially allowing limited numbers in.
      The UK Government also authorised fan trials in the summer until a second wave of the virus delayed their plans.

      Sport fans to return to live matches from December 2 with Premier League stadiums back open as rules relax More

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      Man Utd’s Champions League clash vs PSG set to be played behind closed doors despite lockdown end, hints mayor Burnham

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’s Euro showdown with PSG looks set to be played behind closed doors, the city’s mayor hinted.
      The Champions League clash takes place on December 2 – the day when footy fans are allowed to return to stadiums for the first time since March.

      Manchester United’s clash with PSG next week is likely to be behind closed doorsCredit: Getty Images

      Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said the city will likely be in tier 3 after lockdown – meaning no fans are allowedCredit: Rex Features

      But turnstiles reopening will depend what tier the region is in given the latest coronavirus rates.
      Manchester was in the top tier 3 before England’s national lockdown and mayor Andy Burnham thinks that’s likely to be the case again from next week.
      The new tiers are expected to be announced by the government today – with 4,000 fans allowed in tier one areas, 2,000 in tier two regions and zero in tier three.
      Burnham said: “We have certainly made the argument that it’s a very different picture if you have high numbers on a rapidly falling trend than slightly lower numbers on a rapidly rising trend.

      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
      “That said I think it’s more likely than not that the government will put us in Tier 3 given the statements that ministers have made about the majority of (regions) being disappointed and practically nobody being in Tier 1.
      “I think they’re giving a quite clear street that they’re going to err on the side of caution.
      “But if (the drop in infection rates) continue in this direction at the rate at which we’re seeing, I would want to ask the government for a serious review of Greater Manchester’s position.”

      Manchester reported some of the highest Covid rates in the country.

      Manchester United thrashed Istanbul to move one point away from the Champions League knockout stagesCredit: Getty Images

      In the last week they have fallen from 432.4 cases per 100,000 people to 291.7, but that’s still above the national average.
      A Manchester United spokesperson said: “We welcome today’s announcement from the Government and we reiterate that we are ready to welcome fans back to Old Trafford as soon as it is safe to do so.
      “We will now work through the detail of the plan with the relevant authorities and await the announcement on the local restriction levels.”
      Manchester United need just a point from their last two games to reach the knockout stages.

      How many fans each Premier League club will be allowed based on October tiers
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men thrashed Istanbul Basaksehir 4-1 on Tuesday and have PSG at home and Leipzig away to finish their group stage.
      Old Trafford chiefs last month plotted a way to bring back 23,500 fans safely.
      Chief operating officer Collette Roche said: “We spent around two months working with the government guidelines to develop the right processes and measures.
      “That’s to make sure we can have around 23,500 people in the stadium safely at social distancing.

      “I guess sometimes it’s quite amusing to understand why people can gather in other settings such as in an aeroplane, restaurant or even in a cinema.
      “But we know we’ve got the plans and the processes ready to deliver match day here safely.”
      Manchester United boss Solskjaer previously said the team were lacking an X-Factor without fans.
      Solskjaer said: “We’ve had four home games in the league. The first one we didn’t have any preparation and Palace deserved it.

      “Then Anthony Martial did not deserve to be sent off against Tottenham but, after he was, they deserved the win.
      “Then both the Chelsea and Arsenal games were very tight and if we had our fans they might have sparked that little extra X-Factor we needed.
      “It’s a different sensation playing in front of the Stretford End without fans, they usually score a goal for us.”

      Solskjaer reacts to Man Utd’s win over Istanbul Basaksehir More

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      Liverpool exploit loophole in Premier League coronavirus rules as Mo Salah returns just FIVE days after a positive test

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      LIVERPOOL will benefit from a loophole in the Premier League’s Covid-19 rules which saw Mo Salah return just FIVE days after a positive test. Salah is in line to play in tonight’s Champions League clash against Atalanta after being able to start training again on Monday. That is despite Prem rules stating stars cannot train […] More

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      Premier League fans CAN sing on return to stadiums but coronavirus ‘code of conduct’ will rule out hugging

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      RETURNING fans will be able to sing in stadiums… but not hug. The Government plans to enforce a ‘code of conduct’ for spectators as a condition of the grounds being opened for the first time in nine months. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden confirmed clubs will be allowed up to 4,000 fans from next Wednesday — […] More

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      Premier League fans CAN sing on return to grounds but coronavirus ‘code of conduct’ to rule out hugging

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      RETURNING fans will be able to sing but not hug.
      The Government plans to enforce a ‘code of conduct’ for spectators as a condition of the grounds being opened for the first time in nine months.

      Football fans will be allowed to cheer their teams but no hugsCredit: AFP – Getty

      Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden confirmed clubs will be allowed up to 4,000 fans from next Wednesday — depending on the tier level of Covid-19 in the area
      The EFL plans to reschedule next week’s midweek games and ensure all clubs that can welcome fans from Wednesday are able to cash in.
      There were fears fans would be banned from singing and have to wear masks in their seats.
      But SunSport understands masks will only have to be worn entering or leaving the stadium and on concourses.

      Social-distancing measures will be enforced, with no physical contact with other fans who are outside their social bubble.
      Clubs will be told to ensure steward police the regulations with fans risking being kicked out if they ignore the rules.
      Spectators are expected to promise they will not attend if they have Covid symptoms or are asked to isolate.
      The final regulations are due to be signed off tomorrow when the Government will outline which areas of the country will be in specific tiers.

      How many fans each Premier League club will be allowed based on October tiers

      Fans will have to respect the rules – or it could cost them going to watch live againCredit: Rex Features

      EFL chairman Rick Parry described the initial return of supporters as “a welcome start” which could be a “lifeline” for clubs in League Two.
      But Parry added: “There is a lot to do quite quickly.
      “We’ve got to make sure the clubs and fans behave responsibly.”
      The restrictions mean Rotherham, in tier three before lockdown, may still not be allowed fans at all.

      Long-term, it’s not viable to operate at those sort of levels. It would see us operating at a matchday loss
      Paul BarberBrighton chief exec

      Millers’ chairman Tony Stewart said: “It is good news for a few — but not for a lot.
      “Some fans will be doing backwards somersaults and if we are allowed fans it will be a nice fight to be one of the 2,000 or so. Match day is an occasion, not just a game.”
      Brighton chief exec Paul Barber believes the move will be “more symbolic than financial” for Premier League clubs.
      He added: “Long-term, it’s not viable to operate at those sort of levels. It would see us operating at a matchday loss.
      “We have prepared for fans returning up to 25 per cent of our capacity, which would be much closer to 7,000 to 8,000.”

      Sport fans to return to live matches from December 2 with Premier League stadiums back open as rules relax More

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      Liverpool exploit loophole in Premier League’s coronavirus rules as Mo Salah returns just FIVE days after positive test

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      LIVERPOOL will benefit from a loophole in the Premier League’s Covid-19 rules which saw Mo Salah return just FIVE days after a positive test.
      Salah is in line to play in tonight’s Champions League clash against Atalanta after being able to start training again on Monday.

      Mo Salah is set to play against Atalanta just seven days after testing positive for coronavirusCredit: Reuters

      That is despite Prem rules stating stars cannot train or play for ten days after a positive test.
      SunSport has learned league bosses have blurred those lines — claiming they actually mean ten days from an INITIAL positive test.
      Salah had two positive tests, the second coming on Wed­nesday last week, after going away with Egypt.
      Yet Government rules clearly say the quarantine period is taken from the point of each test — not from an ‘initial’ one.

      UK law states:  “If you have symptoms, the ten days starts from when they started. If you have not had symptoms, the ten days starts from when you had the test.”
      Liverpool have done nothing wrong and Salah’s return was cleared by the Prem. Uefa allow a player to play after a week’s quarantine period.
      But it does now leave league guidelines open to scrutiny.
      Prem chiefs will deal with each Covid issue on a case by case basis — led by medical advice.

      The league has admitted that there may be examples where one person is dealt with differently to another – even though Appendix 14 of their regulations appear to make the rules clear.

      They state: “Each Club must ensure that: (i) all PDP Persons comply with Government guidance regarding management of COVID-19 symptoms experienced by them or any member of their household, including any ‘test and trace’ guidance or policy implemented by Government
      “(ii) in the event that a PDP Person develops symptoms of COVID-19 at any point: a. they self-isolate for ten days or until symptoms resolve (whichever is the later); and b. members of the PDP Person’s household self-isolate for 14 days.”
      They were happy for Salah to return as he had subsequently provided a negative sample.
      Yet Conor Coady could not play for Wolves on Monday as he was self-isolating, despite never testing positive.

      Klopp says Mo Salah is available to face Atalanta in Champions League after Liverpool star tests negative for coronavirus More