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      Ajax hit by 11 positive coronavirus cases just 24 hours before Champions League clash against FC Midtjylland

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      AJAX have been hit with a coronavirus outbreak the day before facing FC Midtjylland in the Champions League.
      The Dutch side reportedly recorded 11 positive results in their camp as they prepared to travel to Denmark for Tuesday’s match.

      A number of Ajax first-team stars including captain Dusan Tadic and goalkeeper Andre Onana have not travelled to DenmarkCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      According to De Telegraaf, the confirmed cases were spread across the senior and Jong Ajax teams.
      It is unclear who has caught the virus.
      But just 17 members of Erik ten Hag’s squad are making the trip.
      Andre Onana, Davy Klaassen, Dusan Tadic, Ryan Gravenberch, and Maarten Stekelenburg are all among those staying home, the club confirmed.

      However, it does mean stars David Neres, Daley Blind, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Quincy Promes and Nicolas Tagliafico all boarded the plane which touched down in Denmark on Monday afternoon.
      Ajax follow fellow Eredivisie sides PSV and AZ Alkmaar in being stung by cases.
      The 2019 semi-finalists have one point from their opening two Champions League Group D games this season.

      A 1-0 home defeat to Liverpool at home was followed by a 2-2 draw away to Atalanta, surrendering a two-goal lead in Italy.

      Tagliafico’s own goal proved the difference when the Premier League champions headed to the Netherlands on October 21.
      However, between those two results, Ajax famously won 13-0 in a staggering victory over VVV-Venlo, registering a whopping 45 shots in the record win.

      Ajax star Ryan Gravenberch shows off his skills on the training pitch More

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      Rangers stars Jones and Edmundson suspended and fined by cops after being caught breaking Covid rules at house party

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      RANGERS have suspended two first-team stars after they flouted coronavirus rules to go to a house party in Glasgow.
      Jordan Jones and George Edmundson have been blasted by Ibrox chiefs for attending a gathering last night, where they were fined by cops.

      Jordan Jones and George Edmundson have been suspended after breaking Covid rulesCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun

      The Gers have launched a probe into the breach and suspended the pair, who have been ordered to self-isolate for 14 days.
      Ten people were hit with fines after being caught at the illicit bash when officers turned up around 1.25am today and broke up the party.
      Rangers chiefs say they “will not tolerate” rule-breaking behaviour, branding it “totally unacceptable”.
      Gers fans have slammed the rule-breaking pair, branding them “absolute morons” amid calls for the club to bin them permanently.

      One supporter said: “Personally I hope the club hammers Jones and Edmundson HARD. I quickly changed my mind. I don’t think one of them is done… I think BOTH of them are done.
      “It’s a good thing they didn’t mingle with the squad or we’d be in a spot of s***. Well done Rangers!”
      A second blasted: “Team and staff must be absolutely fuming with Jones and Edmundson. Potentially catching and passing of the virus to team mates and putting the game at risk.
      “Glad Rangers have suspended them from the get go. Absolute morons.”

      A spokesperson for the Ibrox side said: “Rangers have been made aware of an incident last night involving two of our players, Jordan Jones and George Edmundson.
      “Both players breached Covid regulations by attending a private gathering with others outside of their household.
      “We can confirm that both players will be suspended pending an internal investigation. On the instruction of Dr Mark Waller, the players will also self isolate for 14 days.”
      Rangers Managing Director, Stewart Robertson, said: “The Chairman Douglas Park, Ross Wilson, Steven Gerrard and I discussed this matter as soon as it was brought to our attention.
      “We are completely aligned in our action and the standards that are being set at Rangers.
      “We will not tolerate behaviour that does not follow those standards and it is totally unacceptable for any of our players to be involved in anything that puts at risk the excellent protocols that have been put in place at Rangers.”
      A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 1.25am on Monday, November 2, we received a report of a house party in Glasgow.
      “Officers attended and ten people were issued with Fixed Penalty Notices. Advice was given and the party was dispersed.”

      The Gers aces were caught by cops at a house party in Glasgow in the early hours of this morningCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun

      Edmundson and Jones were fined by cops and face a Rangers probeCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun

      Steven Gerrard reveals wife Alex wants him to quit as Rangers boss and escape pressure for family life More

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      Juventus ace Cristiano Ronaldo scores three minutes after coming on against Spezia as champions get title march on track

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO needed just THREE MINUTES to score for Juventus after recovering from coronavirus.
      The 35-year-old climbed off the bench for the Italian giants in the 56th minute of their Serie A clash away at Spezia.

      Cristiano Ronaldo returned from coronavirus by scoring twiceCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Spezia were no match for Cristiano Ronaldo’s prowessCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And before the clock had ticked onto the hour mark, Ronaldo had put his side 2-1 up.
      He wasn’t done there however, and his penalty in the 76th-minute sealed an impressive 4-1 win.
      And it was no normal spot-kick – Ronaldo chipped home a panenka.
      Former Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata and ex-PSG star Adrien Rabiot scored the other goals.

      Ronaldo’s season was halted when he was found to have coronavirus while on international duty with Portugal.
      While it is reported he suffered from no symptoms, the Juventus ace could not shake the virus in time for the Champions League clash against Barcelona – and did not hide his frustration.
      But he had two negative tests that enabled him to take his place on the bench for Juve.
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has missed four games for the Old Lady following his initial positive test.

      Cristiano Ronaldo has missed four games after contracting coronavirusCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Manager Andrea Pirlo only pockets £1.6million-per-year after taking charge of the club

      His absence was felt as a meek Juventus fell to defeat against Barcelona in Europe this week.
      But the Portuguese legend returned in time to give Pirlo’s team a shot in the arm.
      The Serie A champions were down to sixth after dropping a handful of points in their opening five games.
      But the easy win takes them back up to second, four points behind AC Milan.

      Watch Cristiano Ronaldo keep up fitness with run in coronavirus quarantine as Juventus star pulls off ‘Siu’ celebration More

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      Premier League WILL continue despite second lockdown – but fans now unlikely to set foot in grounds until 2021

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE will not be halted despite a second national lockdown being enforced by the government.
      Boris Johnson has briefed the nation this evening where he announced blanket measures for the country, coming into force from November 5.

      Premier League football is continuing in empty stadiums amid the second wave of coronavirus casesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Oliver Dowden announced on his Twitter feed that elite sport WOULD be allowed to continue during the shutdown.
      That means the Premier League and EFL will carry on as normal.
      But for fans of non-professional sport, it’s bad news with games at grassroots level OFF during the shutdown.
      The game shut down for three months when the initial lockdown period began in March.

      Extensive testing across the sport and social distancing measures, including the use of temporary dressing rooms to keep teams apart, have generally proved successful in preventing a large-scale outbreak.
      Over 1,500 Premier League players and staff members were tested between October 12 and 18, with eight positive results returned.

      Players have had to get used to the new normal of empty groundsCredit: EPA
      The rise of coronavirus cases across the country has also spelt the end of hopes to reintroduce fans to stadiums this year.
      The Athletic report on plans being knocked into 2021, amid initial criticism of the Government when trials were first shelved earlier this month.

      Germany recently banned supporters from grounds amid their second wave of coronavirus, having allowed limited numbers to return for a few weeks.
      The continuation of indoor events in England with attendees, albeit socially distanced, led to Premier League chief Richard Masters making the case for football supporters returning.
      He said earlier this month: “I know the government has some huge issues at the moment but the London Palladium was half-full.
      “We make the point that if that can be the case, we hope that football stadiums can reopen soon.
      “We think that’s a really positive thing – the big question is why can’t that be, in the near future, sports venues as well?”
      Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden accepted there was a discrepancy but vowed to maintain a more cautious approach with live sport.
      He stated: “Of course I accept people’s frustration at the inconsistency there.

      “In relation to sport, we had sports on a path to normality. At that time I was being attacked by the arts for prioritising sports.
      “The next stage was to have pilots to move to a point from October 1 whereby we would be able to have socially-distanced spectators in stadiums.
      “That is what I desperately wanted to happen. But there is very clear evidence from the scientific community that at this stage of the disease, with rapidly rising infections, we should be imposing restrictions – not further easements.”

      Boris Johnson ‘considering national lockdown next week’ in England More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo to make Juventus return on bench against Spezia after negative coronavirus test

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO is set to make his Juventus return on the bench against Spezia following his coronavirus ordeal.
      The superstar, 35, has finally returned two negative tests for Covid-19 and is preparing to return to the fold.

      Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to go after returning multiple negative Covid testsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/cristiano/

      The star became frustrated as he was forced into self-isolation with the virus

      Ronaldo’s season was halted when he was found to have the virus while on international duty with Portugal.
      While it is reported he suffered from no symptoms, the Juventus ace could not shake the virus in time for the Champions League clash against Barcelona – and did not hide his frustration.
      But now his manager says multiple negative tests mean he is ready to come back.
      Andrea Pirlo is quoted in France24 saying: “The negative result of the second swab has arrived, so today Cristiano Ronaldo will be called up to the team.

      “He is fine and has been training individually this morning. I don’t think he will start from the beginning, we will see how it goes tomorrow.”
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has missed four games for the Old Lady following his initial positive test.
      His absence was felt as a meek Juventus fell to defeat against Barcelona in Europe this week.
      The Portuguese legend returns in time to give Pirlo’s team a shot in the arm.

      The Serie A champions are currently 6th after dropping a handful of points in their opening five games.
      While they are still unbeaten, they have drawn games against Verona and were reduced to ten men in both of their other draws against Roma and Crotone.
      Pirlo called the match against Spezia ‘must win’, with his side trailing AC Milan by three points in the early table.

      Watch Cristiano Ronaldo keep up fitness with run in coronavirus quarantine as Juventus star pulls off ‘Siu’ celebration More

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      Lazio’s match with Torino in danger of being called off after entire squad isolates following coronavirus outbreak

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      LAZIO’S match against Torino in Italy is in danger of being called off after the entire squad is forced to isolate following a coronavirus outbreak.
      The club had to field a depleted side in the Champions League clash with Club Brugge in midweek after several players had to self-isolate.

      Lazio had to take a weakened squad to Belgium after some players were forced to self-isolateCredit: Reuters

      Star striker Ciro Immobile is one of the many first team players who has gone into quarantineCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But now their Serie A game tomorrow looks likely of being completely abandoned after positive tests forced the entire squad into quarantine.
      If the game does go ahead, Lazio would likely be left to field a team of youngsters against Torino.
      But the club said the players will be tested again today to try and see who comes back with negative results
      The Italian side have not yet named which players tested positive.

      Lazio said in a press release: “The SS Lazio announces that from the tests yesterday, Friday 30/10, some members of the team group tested positive for molecular swabs.
      “Based on these results, the entire team will repeat the checks today in order to identify the players that can be used in tomorrow’s match between Turin and Lazio.
      “The subjects tested positive were placed in home isolation while the team will observe a period of quarantine under active surveillance by the medical staff.”

      Star striker Ciro Immobile and former Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva, along with Luis Alberto, Manuel Lazzari and Djavan Anderson, were left at home before a 1-1 draw in Europe against Belgian side Club Brugge.

      A coronavirus scare meant precautions were taken, and the understrength team managed to take the lead after 14 minutes thanks to Joaquin Correa.
      But Brugge midfielder Hans Vanaken equalised from the penalty spot before half-time. More

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      Premier League WILL ‘continue regardless of second lockdown’ but fans unlikely to set foot in grounds until 2021

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE will be not halted if a second national lockdown is enforced, it has been reported.
      Overnight headlines in multiple national newspapers indicated plans to close non-essential shops, restaurants and pubs from Wednesday.

      Premier League football is continuing in empty stadiums amid the second wave of coronavirus casesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      No announcement has been made with Government officials investigating how plans were leaked to the media.
      Should a second lockdown be enforced, multiple outlets report that top-level football will continue as it has since June.
      The game shut down for three months when the initial lockdown period began in March.
      Extensive testing across the sport and social distancing measures, including the use of temporary dressing rooms to keep teams apart, have generally proved successful in prevent a large-scale outbreak.

      Over 1,500 Premier League players and staff members were tested between October 12 and 18, with eight positive results coming back.
      The rise of coronavirus cases across the country has also spelled the end of hopes to reintroduce fans to stadiums this year.
      The Athletic report on plans being knocked into 2021, amid initial criticism of the Government when trials were first shelved earlier this month.
      Germany recently banned supporters from grounds amid their second wave of coronavirus, having allowed limited numbers to return for a few weeks.

      The continuation of indoor events in England with attendees, albeit socially distanced, led to Premier League chief Richard Masters making the case for football supporters returning.
      He said earlier this month: “I know the government has some huge issues at the moment but the London Palladium was half-full.
      “We make the point that if that can be the case, we hope that football stadiums can reopen soon.
      “We think that’s a really positive thing – the big question is why can’t that be, in the near future, sports venues as well?”
      Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden accepted there was a discrepancy but vowed to maintain a more cautious approach with live sport.
      He stated: “Of course I accept people’s frustration at the inconsistency there.

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      “In relation to sport, we had sports on a path to normality. At that time I was being attacked by the arts for prioritising sports.
      “The next stage was to have pilots to move to a point from October 1 whereby we would be able to have socially-distanced spectators in stadiums.
      “That is what I desperately wanted to happen. But there is very clear evidence from the scientific community that at this stage of the disease, with rapidly rising infections, we should be imposing restrictions – not further easements.”

      Boris Johnson ‘considering national lockdown next week’ in England More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo tests NEGATIVE for Covid-19 and can return to Juventus training after 17 days in self-isolation

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has tested negative for coronavirus and can return to Juventus training after 17 days in self-isolation.
      The Portuguese star, 35, contracted the virus and tested positive while on international duty in his homeland.

      Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest coronavirus test result has come back negativeCredit: EPA

      He is now free to return to training with his Juventus team-matesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He travelled back to Turin but continued to quarantine at home.
      Now, after two further positive tests forced him to miss the Champions League defeat against Barcelona, his latest check has come back clear.
      And Juventus confirmed he is therefore no longer obliged to stay at home.
      That could mean he is available to play in the Serie A clash away at Spezia on Sunday afternoon.

      Ronaldo last played on October 11 in the 0-0 Nations League draw with France.
      But two days later he was forced to quarantine after testing positive – despite being asymptomatic.
      The forward watched on from his hotel room as the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva trained before he got a private jet back to Italy – with the Italian sports minister believing he had broken protocol by flying home.
      Being locked up inside again took its toll on Ronaldo – especially as he was unable to face Lionel Messi’s Barcelona in the Champions League this week.

      Feeling fully fit, he continued to train at his home gym and blasted the PCB swab test as ‘bulls***’ after his third positive result returned as frustrations started to grow.
      Most alarmingly of all, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner – who does not exactly lack self-confidence when it comes to his body and appearance – opted to shave his head in a radical new hairstyle.

      Ronaldo was forced to stay inside for 17 days after his first positive testCredit: instagram.com/cristiano

      He made the most of his extra free time to top up the sun tanCredit: Twitter / @Cristiano

      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner opted for a new look as well, deciding to shave his head

      Ronaldo made sure he did not lose any of his fitness by working out in his home gym

      Manager Andrea Pirlo only pockets £1.6million-per-year after taking charge of the club

      Watch Cristiano Ronaldo keep up fitness with run in coronavirus quarantine as Juventus star pulls off ‘Siu’ celebration More