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      F1 could be forced to change driver line-up in 2022 as new Covid rules mean everybody in paddock must show vaccine proof

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      FORMULA ONE chiefs could be looking for a new driver to line up on the grid in 2022 in the wake of their new covid rules.The F1 paddock will become a restricted zone that will require proof of a covid vaccination and that applies to all – drivers, team personnel, VIPs and media.
      New F1 rules mean all paddock staff have to show proof of a vaccinationCredit: AFP
      This rule change may cause the FIA an issue as their current medical driver Van der Merwe refuses to get jabbed for his ‘own health’Credit: AFP
      However, Alan Van der Merwe – who drives the FIA’s medical car – has previously stated on social media that he is unvaccinated for his “own health”.
      The 42-year-old was one of the heroes, along with Doctor Ian Roberts, who helped save Romain Grosjean from his fiery crash in Bahrain in 2020.
      Van der Merwe wrote on Twitter last year to explain his reasons for not taking the vaccine ahead of GPs in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
      He wrote: “In Switzerland (I’m half Swiss) and other developed countries, prior infection counts as much as a vaccine.
      “I trust that those countries know what they’re doing, and also respect countries’ more restrictive rules and not travel there.
      “I am fully aware that I will potentially be less employable or that my freedom of movement will be restricted based on my choices.
      “That I will not choose convenience over my own health does not mean I am making decisions out of selfishness. We all just want to be healthy.”
      It is believed that no F1 drivers will be impacted by the new rules as all are understood to be vaccinated.
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      The plan for all personnel to be vaccinated was rubber-stamped at last month’s world council meeting.
      The FIA have yet to answer SunSport’s request for clarification over Van der Merwe’s position but paddock sources are adamant that vaccinations will be required.
      It comes as F1 plan to relax their covid protocols and will see the testing frequency reduced.
      Since the start of the pandemic, four drivers have had to miss races as a result of catching covid.
      Lewis Hamilton, Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll and Kimi Raikkonen were forced out of GPs.
      Another four – Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, Pierre Gasly and Nikita Mazepin – all picked up covid on non-race weekends. More

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      F1 stars told they must be vaccinated against Covid to race at Australian GP to avoid another Novak Djokovic drama

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      F1 drivers have been warned they must be vaccinated against Covid at the Australian Grand Prix or risk a fate similar to tennis star Novak Djokovic.The men’s World No.1 was booted out of Australia following a humiliating vaccine row that rumbled on for almost a fortnight.
      F1 stars have been told they must have the jab to race Down UnderCredit: AP
      He was prevented from defending his Australian Open title amid fears his unvaccinated status might incite anti-vax protests in the country.
      And now F1 stars have been told in no uncertain terms they must have had the jab if they want to race Down Under.
      Australian GP Corporation chief exec Andrew Westacott said: “The rules are simple to get into the country and the rules are simple to operate in Formula One.
      “To come into the event you’ll be 100 per cent vaccinated and there won’t be an exemption sought for anyone from anyone.
      “Our arrangements have been in place well before the recent goings-on at the Australian Open.
      “These rules are understood by Formula One, they’re understood by the FIA, they’re going to be written into the sporting regulations and I’m very confident that (it) is just going to be a rite of passage to come into the country.
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      “There’s zero tolerance. Whether you’re Lewis Hamilton or Valentino Rossi in MotoGP, if you test positive, you don’t race that weekend.”
      The Aussie race is usually the sport’s annual curtain-raiser but has been pushed back to third in the calendar due to Covid restrictions.
      The 2022 season instead gets underway in Bahrain on 18th March.
      Fans are still waiting to see whether British superstar Hamilton will be on the grid with rumours of his retirement yet to be fully quashed. More

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      Capacity crowds allowed back at major sport events in Scotland like football and rugby, says Nicola Sturgeon

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      SCOTLAND will welcome back capacity crowds to big football and rugby matches from Monday. Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced she was lifting the rules that restricted crowds to just 500 supporters from December 26 due to the Omicron wave.
      Nicola Sturgeon has good news for sports fans
      Rangers are due to visit Celtic Park on February 2
      Scottish clubs had been considering playing matches in England in an attempt to get round the rules.
      But clubs in the north of England or the Midlands could charge sums north of £250,000 for the privilege of using their grounds.
      Ahead of Ms Sturgeon’s statement, SNP ministers agreed to lift the 500-person limit on outdoor gatherings as planned from Monday.
      However restrictions on indoor events and on hospitality venues – like mandatory table service and one-metre distancing between groups – have been extended for a further week until at least January 24.
      It also emerged Scots would now need to have had a booster to use vaccine passports – including for football grounds.
      On December 21, Ms Sturgeon announced measures “for a period of three weeks”, meaning more restrictions on large events, hospitality and indoor sports than in England.
      Despite the aim to keep them in place for three weeks from December 26 and 27, Ms Sturgeon told MSPs was “prudent to remain careful and cautious” despite “signs that we may be starting to turn a corner” in the Omicron wave.
      The change means crowds will be able to return to Premiership football games and for the Six Nations rugby tournament. 
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      Premiership clubs return from their early winter break next week – with Celtic playing host to Hibs on January 17.
      But there was no mention from the First Minister of whether restrictions on people participating on indoor sports would be lifted.
      Ms Sturgeon told MSPs: “We will begin to lift the protective measures announced before Christmas from Monday but in a phased way that will allow us to form in the days ahead a clearer picture of the trends in infections and associated impacts.
      “As a quick reminder, the measures I am specifically referring to here are limits on attendances at live public events, the requirement for distancing between groups in public indoor places, and the requirement for table service in hospitality venues serving alcohol on the premises.
      “I expect to confirm further dates next week. However I can confirm today that the attendance limit of 500 at large-scale outdoor events will be lifted from Monday, 17 January.
      “That means, for example, that spectators will be permitted again at major outdoor sporting events, including football fixtures scheduled for early next week, and the forthcoming Six Nations rugby matches.”
      Revealing the changes to the Covid certification scheme, she said: “Firstly, our guidance will now stipulate that the organisers of large events of 1000 or more people should check the certification status of at least 50% of attendees, rather than the current 20%, or at least 1,000 people – whichever figure is higher.
      “And, second, from Monday the requirement to be ‘fully vaccinated’ for the purposes of Covid certification will include having a booster if the second dose was more than four months ago.”
      A Rangers fan group staged a demonstration at the Scottish parliament about the Government’s handling of the Covid fan curbs. More

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      Premier League Covid cases fall from 94 to 72 with bosses confident worst of mid-season spike is over

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      PREMIER LEAGUE bosses are increasingly confident the worst of the mid-season Covid peak is over after another significant fall in positive tests.A total of 12,973 tests across players and staff at the 20 top flight clubs in the seven days up to Sunday saw 72 positive samples.

      That was 22 down on the previous seven-day period.
      It’s also the second successive fall after 103 positive tests were recorded between December 20 and Boxing Day.
      It also represented the lowest weekly tally since the 42 positives recorded at the start of the Omicron wave between December 6 and 12.
      The majority of the new positives – 64 – came from the 7,682 tests between last Monday and Thursday January 6.
      But there were only eight positives from 5,291 tests administered to 2,346 players and staff across the following three days in a clear signal that the virus appears to be subsiding.
      In the run-up to Christmas, there were genuine fears the Prem season could be suspended due to the rampant Omicron strain.
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      A number of clubs were forced to close their training grounds and postpone matches, including Manchester United.
      Most-recently, Liverpool shut-down their facilities after a huge surge in positive cases.
      The outbreak forced them to postpone their Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg clash with Arsenal and field a youthful XI for their FA Cup third-round win over Shrewsbury on Sunday.
      But now it appears the worst is over for top-flight clubs with cases rapidly on the decline. More

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      in Boxing

      Boxing beauty Ebanie Bridges jokes Covid jab made her boobs bigger as she shares busty selfie

      by

      BOXER Ebanie Bridges has shared a busty selfie on social media joking that the coronavirus vaccine has made her boobs bigger.The stunning Aussie is never shy to show off her impressive figure, sharing a selection of saucy snaps on her Instagram and Twitter accounts.
      Ebanie Bridges joked the Covid-19 jab has made her boobs bigger
      And the latest one follows that same theme.
      The Aussie boasts a 7-1 record in professional boxing
      Bridges posed in a blue floral top that was extremely low cut showing off her assets, captioning it: “Damn Pfizer.”
      She also replied to the original tweet with a screenshot from an article headlined: “‘Women are claiming they have bigger boobs after the Pfizer jab”.
      Earlier this month Bridges launched a tirade online after Instagram removed a racy photo she posted.
      The Blonde Bomber, 35, shared a photo wearing nothing but a thong and a pair of boxing gloves.
      Bridges also welcomed in the new year with the post but it did not take long for Instagram to remove it from their platform.
      In response, Bridges moaned about online trolls who reported the offending post.
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      She also complained that there are worse images posted on the site, yet Instagram only punished her.
      And the social media platform reprimanded Bridges further, issuing a warning to the boxer that she could lose access to her account if she posts similar photos in future.
      But Bridges did post another saucy snap on her stories later on in the day.
      She once again wished her followers a happy new year while on her way to the beach in her native Australia.
      She has previously wowed fans having turned up in lingerie hoisting a Leeds United scarf above her head at a weigh-in in September.
      Bridges won her September fight against Mailys Gangloff at Headingley.
      The Aussie boasts a 7-1 record in professional boxing – her sole defeat came against Shannon Courtenay at the Copper Box Arena in April 2021.
      Instagram removed this post Bridges put up for New Year
      Her fans will have liked this photo Bridges shared heading to the beach More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal want emergency loan transfer after suffering more Covid cases with Smith Rowe and Tomiyasu doubts for Liverpool

      by

      ARSENAL are looking to make some emergency loan signings after being hit by more Covid cases ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool.Emile Smith Rowe and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also injury doubts leaving Mikel Arteta’s squad looking worryingly thin.
      Emile Smith Rowe has a tight groin which could keep him out of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final with LiverpoolCredit: Rex
      Takehiro Tomiyasu also has a calf problem which has given Mikel Arteta a selection headacheCredit: Getty
      The decision to allow Ainsley Maitland-Niles to join Roma on loan has already backfired after Granit Xhaka tested positive for Covid at the weekend.
      That means Albert Sambi-Lokonga and 18-year-old rookie Charlie Patino will be the only central midfield players available for Thursday’s trip to Anfield.
      Manager Arteta is already sweating on Xhaka recovering from his second bout of the virus in time for Sunday’s crucial North London derby away to Spurs.
      Xhaka, who refused to be vaccinated before he tested positive while on international duty with Switzerland last September, is currently in isolation along with striker Folarin Balogun.
      And even though he is due out of quarantine before the weeknd, he will have missed a whole week’s training in the build-up to the game against sixth-placed Spurs.
      But with Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny both away at the African Cup of Nations, Arteta is desperately hoping to strengthen his squad with an emergency loan signing.
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      Granit Xhaka has tested positive for Covid ahead of the gameCredit: Getty
      And so has Folarin BalogunCredit: Rex
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      He knows it is crucial for his team to hold their nerve following back to back defeats by Manchester City in the Premier League and Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup.
      But with the Spurs game sandwiched between the two legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final, the next ten days could have a huge bearing on Arsenal’s ambitions to win a trophy and secure a top four finish.
      Arteta was deeply unimpressed by his players’ efforts during Sunday’s shock FA Cup exit against Forest.
      No-one struggled more than teenagee rookie Patino, who was substituted 20 minutes from the end of his first start for the club.
      Now Arteta wants to protect the promising youngster from unrealistic expectations at such a crucial state of his career.
      And he will be reluctant to include Patino in the starting line-up at Anfield on Thursday with so much at stake for the club.
      NEW ODEGAARD ROLE?
      That could mean Martin Odegaard dropping into a deeper role or a defender such as Ben White or Calum Chambers moving into midfield.
      But neither solution would be perfect, causing even greater consternation over the timing of Maitland-Niles’ departure to Roma.
      Arteta had been extremely reluctant to allow the England international to leave until the end of the month because of concerns over a lack of cover.
      But both Maitland-Niles and Roma boss Jose Mourinho made it clear that they were not prepared to wait and now Arteta’s worst fears have been realised.
      To add insult to injury, central midfielders Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira have also been loaned out by Arsenal and will need to be sold to fund any potential new signings.
      Arteta spoke of his midfield issues last week and claimed: “We are going to move and look for options because we are very short there.”
      But he seemed less optimistic after Sunday’s FA Cup setback, admitting: “I think it’s clear where we need to strengthen but at the moment we have to try to get the best out of the players we have.”
      ⚽ Get all the latest Arsenal news, updates and transfer gossip with our live blogs More

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      in Soccer

      Prem stars face ban from playing if they don’t get Covid vaccine in new rules being laid out by Government

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE stars could face missing matches if they refuse to take up the coronavirus vaccine under new rules being laid out by the Government.Under current regulations, un-jabbed ‘elite sportspersons’ who return to the UK from abroad are exempt from the ten-day isolation period.
      Culture Secretary, Nadine Dorries, is pushing to scrap un-jabbed elite sportspersons’ exemption from isolating for ten days on their return to the UKCredit: The Mega Agency
      But that could change after Culture Secretary, Nadine Dorries, pushed to scrap that right, according to reports.
      That would mean top-flight footballers – as well as other sporting stars – would have to follow the same rules as members of the public, with no exceptions.
      Any unvaccinated Premier League star returning from abroad – from an away game in Europe or international break, for example – would then be ruled out for ten days.
      That could mean the players in question miss a number of matches.
      With games coming thick and fast – and with a number of teams blighted by Covid and injuries – squads could be put even more strain.
      Speaking about the potential change to the rules, a Government source told The Telegraph: “If you want to have special treatment you’ve got to do your bit to keep others healthy and safe.
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      “Getting vaccinated isn’t only about your health but others.”
      Premier League chiefs are reportedly ready to push back should the new rules be enforced.
      Top-flight officials believe the players in question would pose very little health risk due to the strict testing rules currently in place.
      Current rules demand the general public isolate for ten days on arrival back in the UK and undertake a PCR test on days two and eight.
      While elite sportspersons are expected to abide by the same rules they are currently allowed to break their isolation for the purposes of training or playing.
      The current figures show a staggering 16 per cent of Prem players are yet to accept a single dose of the vaccine.
      Prime Minister Boris Johnson will have final say regarding the new rules.
      Johnson has currently shared his frustration at unvaccinated members of the public, calling it ‘absolutely crazy’ that so many people have refused the jab and ended up seriously ill in hospital.
      The news comes as world tennis No1 Novak Djokovic was denied entry into Australia due to his vaccination status.
      The Serbian star, a nine-time winner Down Under, was given his marching orders following a six hour stand-off at Melbourne Airport.
      Djokovic had been granted an exemption to play at the Australian Open despite his vaccination record.
      But Aussie Prime Minister Scott Morrison claimed: “Mr Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled.
      “Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders.
      “No one is above these rules.” More

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      in Soccer

      Leyton Orient’s Vigouroux slams decision to postpone Arsenal vs Liverpool when they were given loss after Covid outbreak

      by

      LEYTON ORIENT goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux has blasted the decision for Liverpool’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Arsenal to be postponed due to a Covid-19 outbreak at the Anfield club. Liverpool’s trip to Arsenal has been rescheduled, whereas Leyton Orient were forced to forfeit their place in the tournament last season.
      Leyton Orient goalkeeper Vigouroux has slammed the decision for Liverpool’s trip to Arsenal to be postponedCredit: Rex
      League Two side Leyton Orient were forced to forfeit their place in the competition last season after returning a number of positive Covid-19 casesCredit: Twitter @LawrenceV93
      The League Two club were scheduled to take on Tottenham in round three of the Carabao Cup in September 2020, but after returning a number of positive Covid-19 cases Spurs were handed a bye into the next round.
      Leyton Orient lost out on as much as £100,00 after losing their place in the tournament, as the game was originally due to be televised.
      And Vigouroux, 28, who spent time at Liverpool as a player, has slammed the decision for the Reds’ trip to Arsenal being rescheduled, not forfeited.
      Reacting to the announcement on Twitter, Vigouroux wrote: “Interesting when we were in the same position before a Carabao Cup tie against Spurs last season?”
      Vigouroux took plenty of stick from Liverpool fans following his tweet, but the shot-stopper was quick to fire back with hilarious responses to angry supporters.
      One Liverpool fan cheekily replied to Vigouroux that the Spurs’ forfeit: “Saved you getting stuffed though.”
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      But the keeper savaged the response by writing back: “It probably did mate but it lost the club, tv money etc which for a club at this level is important…
      “I see you’re from the Cotswolds mate maybe try supporting your local club and helping them out.”
      Another Liverpool fan mocked Vigouroux for conceding a goal scored by former Red Jay Spearing in a 1-0 League Two defeat to Tranmere in December.
      But the London-born pro had a reply for that too, saying: “Was a good goal that, you’d be interested to know we were missing 8-10 players for that game through COVID/Injury, Tranmere full strength and the game still went ahead.
      “No excuses here tho unlike your mob.”
      Liverpool had been due to travel to North London this evening for the semi-final first leg against Arsenal.
      But after up to FOURTEEN positive Covid cases were recorded at the club, a request was lodged to the EFL for the game to be postponed.
      That request was granted, and the game at the Emirates will now take place on January 20, with the other leg still set to go ahead at Anfield on the 13th.
      The winners of that tie will play either Chelsea or Tottenham in the final at Wembley, after the first leg London derby clash went ahead as planned last night.
      Chelsea emerged 2-0 winners at Stamford Bridge, with the second leg scheduled for next Wednesday.
      That means one finalist will be decided even before the first leg of Liverpool vs Arsenal.
      Liverpool will now travel to Arsenal on January 20, two weeks after originally scheduledCredit: AFP More