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      Euro 2020 coronavirus outbreak fears in Slovakia camp as defender Denis Vavro and one staff member test positive

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      SLOVAKIA have been rocked by the news of a coronavirus outbreak in their squad just 24 hours before their game with Sweden.Lazio defender Denis Vavro, 25, and one member have staff have both returned positive tests for Covid-19.
      Denis Vavro, left, and one member of the Slovakia coaching team have tested positive for coronavirusCredit: AFP
      Boss Stefan Tarkovic has confirmed neither showed any symptoms and both are feeling well.
      Slovakia take on Sweden in their second Group E game on Friday following their 2-1 win over Poland on Monday – in which Vavro failed to make it off the bench.
      But they now risk rescheduling after an outbreak of Covid in the squad was confirmed.
      Tarkovic has played down talk of pushing the game back – with Uefa protocol allowing the game to be played in the subsequent 48 hours should they have 13 or fewer healthy players.
      The Slovakia chief claims his team did all the could to avoid the spread of infection and fully expect to play Friday’s game with Sweden – who drew their tournament-opener with Spain 0-0 despite having just 15 per cent of the ball.
      Tarkovic revealed: “We started to work with the Russian public health authorities and started to apply the corresponding Uefa protocol.
      “So we took all the steps to avoid the spread of the infection.”
      Should Slovakia wish to call up a replacement for Vavro, they would have to cut one player from their squad to keep it at a maximum of 26, as per Uefa rules.

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      At the weekend, Portugal were rocked by the news Joao Cancelo had tested positive for Covid.
      The Manchester City star was ruled out of the Euros, replaced by Diogo Dalot.
      A week earlier, Sergio Busquests and Diego Llorente tested positive for coronavirus, forcing the entire squad to isolate as a result.
      Jasper Cillessen was axed by Holland boss Frank de Boer after his positive test shortly before the tournament.
      Russia’s Andrey Mostovoy was also withdrawn after his Covid test returned a positive result.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Sweden vs Slovakia live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for Euro 2020 match More

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      Ukraine 2 North Macedonia 1: Yarmolenko and Yaremchuk give Ukrainians first points of Euros but minnows make them sweat

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      ANDRIY YARMOLENKO kept up his red-hot Euros campaign by scoring one and setting up another to leave North Macedonia on the brink.The West Ham winger, 31, may have had an underwhelming season in the Premier League, despite his club qualifying for Europe.
      In-form West Ham hitman Andriy Yarmolenko celebrates his Ukraine openerCredit: Getty
      Andriy Yarmolenko pounces for the Ukraine breakthrough goal in their dominant first halfCredit: Reuters
      Roman Yaremchuk measures his finish to double Ukraine’s leadCredit: Getty
      But he has stepped up for Ukraine this summer, following up his goal-of-the-tournament contender against the Netherlands with an impressive display here in Bucharest.
      Yarmolenko took his tally to 42 goals in 96 caps with a far-post finish just before the half hour.
      He then teed up Roman Yaremchuk – who also netted in that 3-2 defeat against the Dutch – to make it 2-0 before half-time.
      North Macedonia hit back early in the second half through Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski turning home a rebound after seeing a penalty saved.
      But that was as good as it got for the minnows, who are now set to exit the tournament at the group stage, having lost 3-1 in their opener against Austria.
      Ruslan Malinovskyi should have made it more comfortable for Ukraine but he too fluffed his lines from 12 yards late on.
      As he approaches a century of caps, Yarmolenko can rightfully consider himself one of the best Ukrainian players of his generation.
      Ref Fernando Andres Rapallini checks video replays before giving Ukraine a late penalty for handball that Ruslan Malinovskiy took and Stole Dimitrievski savedCredit: Getty
      Ukraine’s Roman Yaremchuk hails his second goal with coach Andriy ShevchenkoCredit: Reuters
      Ezgjan Alioski volleys outsiders North Macedonia back into itCredit: EPA
      Though many feel he never did quite live up to his early potential, which saw him labelled “the next Andriy Shevchenko” when he was coming through at Dynamo Kiev.
      Borussia Dortmund were happy to move him on after just one season while he has not pulled up any trees either during his injury-hit three years at the London Stadium.
      Yet Irons fans will be encouraged to see him perform so well for his country, where he has been managed by Shevchenko since 2016.
      Yarmolenko probably should have scored seconds before he actually did, but saw his effort pushed out for a corner.
      Defender Oleksandr Karavaev cleverly flicked on the resulting set-piece at the near post to allow Yarmolenko to fire the ball in at the far.
      Five minutes later it was 2-0 with Yaremchuk managing to stay onside to burst onto Yarmolenko’s through-ball and tuck the ball neatly past the keeper.
      Ezgjan Alioski marks the moment his goal gave North Macedonia hopeCredit: Reuters
      Anders Christiansen is dejected after North Macedonia’s defeatCredit: Getty
      It continued Gent’s powerful No9’s own impressive tournament.
      And with the likes of Arsenal, Wolves, Roma and Lazio all reported to be tracking him, a move later this summer is looking more and more likely.
      North Macedonia would not give in though and just before the break veteran Goran Pandev – a Champions League winner with Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan – had the ball in the net with a clever dink.
      VAR intervened though with the 37-year-old adjudged to be marginally offside, but it did not deter Igor Angelovski’s side who kept on pushing after the break.
      Their perseverance paid off on 57 minutes when Pandev was kicked by Karavaev as he battled for the rebound after Georgiy Bushchan had palmed a shot onto the crossbar.
      Alioski saw his effort from 12 yards saved but luckily the ball came straight back to Leeds’ bleach-blond Mr Versatile, who was far more convincing with his follow-up.
      Ukraine should have wrapped the win up when VAR spotted a handball in the wall as the North Macedonians defended a free-kick.
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      Argentine ref Fernando Rapallini consulted his pitchside monitor and awarded the spot-kick.
      But Malinovskyi became the FOURTH player to miss a penalty from the five awarded in this tournament so far as keeper Stole Dimitrievski stood strong.
      Shevchenko’s side held on though for a precious three points – thanks to their talismanic skipper Yarmolenko.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Scotland fans arrive at London Euston station ahead of Euro clash with England at Wembley More

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      Raucous Scotland fans invade Kings Cross station for England Euro 2020 game despite pleas for them to stay home

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      RAUCOUS Scotland fans have invaded London for tomorrow’s Euro 2020 clash against England despite pleas to stay home.Tartan Army supporters were pictured piling out of King’s Cross station today draped in flags and swigging Buckfast.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Scottish fans have descended on London stations ahead of tomorrow’s gameCredit: LNP
      Rowdy supporters have turned the capital into a sea of blue and whiteCredit: Getty
      Fans had been told to stay away without a ticket but it hasn’t stopped thousands descending on LondonCredit: Getty
      The fans are planning to descend on pubs in the capital en masse to watch the Group D clash at 8pm tomorrow.
      And the kilt-wearing Scots got the party started early as they belted out chants in a sea of blue and white in London today.
      Scotland have been allocated less than 3,000 tickets for the sellout 21,500 qualifier at Wembley.
      But between 6,000 and 20,000 Scottish supporters are reportedly planning on making the trip across the border.
      Fans donned their tartan as they arrived in London todayCredit: The Sun
      Proud supporters have headed to London despite warnings not to come if they don’t have a ticketCredit: LNP
      King’s Cross is full with Tartan Army supporters todayCredit: LNP
      The clash kicks off at 8pm tomorrow at WembleyCredit: LNP
      The match is a historic oneCredit: SNS
      Crowds of chanting fans spray drinks in the air outside King’s CrossCredit: Getty
      All trains from Glasgow and Edinburgh to London this morning have been sold out.
      The oldest fixture in international football is steeped in history – with the last time England took on the Scots in the Euros way back in 1996.
      Gazza marked his winning goal with his infamous dentist chair celebration as the Three Lions went on to win 2-0.
      Wembley historically hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Scotland – with England beating the Auld Enemy 18 times in 32 games at the stadium.
      The last time the two teams met at Wembley saw Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana and Gary Cahill steering England to a 3-0 win for the World Cup qualifier in 2016.
      But the thousands of singing Scotland fans spilling out of London stations today don’t seem too concerned by the stats.
      And it was a case of in John McGinn we’ll win as supporters tipped the Villa midfielder to sneak a couple past Jordan Pickford tomorrow.
      A police officer is draped in a Scotland flag at Euston in LondonCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
      Scots believe they can end their curse at WembleyCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
      They have only ever beaten England nine times at the London stomping groundCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
      The platform was packed in Glasgow Central todayCredit: Duncan McGlynn
      Fans depart from Kings Cross ahead of tomorrow’s gameCredit: The Sun
      Archie Gardiner, 20, told The Sun Online: “Its nationality that matters. A matter of pride. 
      “John McGinn will score, he’s better than Zidane.”
      Robert, from Glasgow, added: “I’ve bet £5 for Scotland to win, £90 back for a fiver. 
      “We’ll score, super John McGinn will score the first goal.
      “Everyone has booking for pubs to watch the game of they’re not going.”
      Pictures from 1977 show a much different affair for Scottish fansCredit: Getty
      Fans had invaded the pitch at Wembley after Scotland beat England 2-1 in 1977Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The celebration soon erupted in chaos as the Tartan Army beat the Auld EnemyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Others showed their pride and said they would be skipping back over the border when Scotland end their Wembley curse.
      Cameron Lynus, 23, said: “F*** knows where were watching the game. 
      “Scotland are gonna win, absolutely. We’ll destroy the English b******s.”
      Andrew Burnett, 52, who almost got arrested before the day of the match after climbing a tree at Euston during the festivities, added: “If I’m dreaming, and I’ve got my lucky socks on I think we’ll win. 
      “I fancy it’ll be 2-1, we’ll win by at least two goals. Thats what we want.”
      A fan shows his support at King’s Cross after the journey SouthCredit: The Sun
      Scots have been told to travel to England only if they have ticketsCredit: LNP
      Trains from Glasgow were sold out todayCredit: LNP
      It is the first time the teams have met in the Euros since 1996Credit: LNP
      Those without tickets say they will watch the game in pubsCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun More

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      Lianne Sanderson receives no social media abuse for first time in TV pundit career while presenting Euro 2020 show

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      LIANNE SANDERSON has revealed that today’s the first time she hasn’t been abused on Twitter since becoming a pundit.The former England ace shared the news with fans via Twitter after her appearance on Sky Sports Euro 2020 show.
      Sanderson revealed it’s the first time she hasn’t received any social media abuseCredit: PA:Press Association
      The 32-year-old said: “Today was the first day ever believe it or not, that I didn’t receive one racist, sexiest or homophobic tweet after being on TV.”
      Despite the positive progress, the ex-Arsenal and Juventus striker still thinks there’s a long way to go in fight against online abuse.
      But is grateful that people are starting to realise the tremendous impact words can have on others.
      She added: “There’s still a long way to go but maybe people are realizing, that their words do hurt and have an impact.
      “Thanks to everyone for you’re messages today.”
      Sanderson’s revelation comes just months after both men and women football stars united to take a stand against online trolls.
      Premier League and WSL stars took part in a social media blackout in a bid to force tech bosses to do more to stamp out the virtual abuse.
      In the blackout, the clubs, along with The Sun, stayed off their social media accounts from Friday, April 30 to Monday, May 3.
      Today was the first day ever believe it or not, that I didn’t receive one racist, sexiest or homophobic tweet after being on tv . Still a long way to go but maybe people are realizing, that their words do hurt and have an impact. Thanks to everyone for you’re messages today ❤️— Lianne Sanderson (@liannesanderson) June 17, 2021

      The ex-Juve star wants people to understand how hurtful words can beCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Online trolling of players got so bad that ex-Manchester United boss Casey Stoney publicly called out Mark Zuckerburg for not doing more.
      Stoney reached breaking point when Lauren James was subjected to racism on her Instagram.
      The 39-year-old said to Zuckerburg: “@Instagram, is this what you think is acceptable.
      “@Zuck are these the values and behaviours you align with?”
      JLS’s Aston Merrygold heartbroken after cruel trolls racially abuse his three year old son on social media More

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      What did Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood do wrong in Iceland?

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      ENGLAND youngsters Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood were sent home from England’s hotel in Iceland for breaking Covid-19 guidelines in September of last year. The pair snuck in two Icelandic girls to the England hotel which resulted in pictures of the three lions stars being leaked on social media.
      Foden and Greenwood share a joke in England trainingCredit: Reuters
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      Nineteen-year-old Greenwood and twenty-one-year-old Foden snuck Icelandic student Lara Clausen, 19, and her cousin Nadia Sif Lindal Gunnarsdottir, 20, into the Radisson Blu hotel whilst on international duty.
      But MailOnline claim that Foden, 20, and Greenwood, 18, had been chatting up at least four local ladies ahead of landing in Reykjavik.
      Another woman, Anita Gunnarsdottir, was filmed chatting to the players with a friend but insists she did not venture to the hotel.
      Anita Gunnarsdottir on the phone to the England stars
      The players reportedly paid hotel staff to sneak the girls into the hotel
      What was their punishment?
      Foden and Greenwood both made their England debuts just 24 hours earlier in the 1-0 victory over Iceland, but their actions resulted in a £1,360 fine from local police and an early flight home back to England.
      Both players were also not selected for England’s following international fixtures in October of 2020.

      Speaking after the incident, three lions boss Gareth Southgate said:
      “Unfortunately this morning it was brought to my attention that the two boys have broken the COVID guidelines in terms of our secure bubble.
      “We had to decide they couldn’t have interaction with the rest of the team.
      “Given the procedures we have to follow they will have to travel home separately.”
      Phil Foden snapped inside the England hotel by one of the visiting girlsCredit: Snapchat
      Mason Greenwood was also captured on SnapchatCredit: Snapchat
      Are Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood playing at Euro 2020?
      Premier League Young Player of the Year Phil Foden started and played 70 minutes of England’s 1-0 win against Croatia on Sunday and is set to play a starring role in England’s Euro 2020 campaign.
      Manchester United teenager Mason Greenwood meanwhile will not play for England this summer after withdrawing from Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad due to an underlying injury problem.
      The issue is thought to be with his groin and will keep him out until pre-season begins for the upcoming campaign.
      Phil Foden will be sporting a Euro 96 Gazza inspired haircut for this summer’s championshipsCredit: Reuters
      Mason Greenwood’s underlying injury also saw him miss the Under-21 EurosCredit: Reuters More

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      Who is ITV commentator Sam Matterface?

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      FORMER Sky Sports News and current talkSport presenter Sam Matterface will spearhead ITV’s commentary team for Euro 2020. The Kent born 42-year-old will lead the commentary for ITV’s coverage of England’s games for this summer’s tournament.
      Matterface has been working in commercial radio since he was sixteen years oldCredit: The Sun
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      Matterface took to Twitter last month to express his joy at being the main man for ITV’s Euro 2020 commentary.

      Matterface is also the commentator for ITV’s Dancing on IceCredit: The Sun

      Who is Sam Matterface?

      Born – Dartford, 1978
      Radio Debut – 1992, OHR (local hospital radio)
      Sky Sports News – Presenter, 2007-2010
      ITV Debut – Dancing on Ice commentator, 2018
      TalkSport – 2010-present
      ITV football – 2020-present

      Matterface replaced Clive Tyldesley in July last year as ITV’s main football commentator, although Tyldesley will still be part of ITV’s commentary team for this summer’s Euros.
      Speaking to the Telegraph recently, 67-year-old Tyldesley said:
      “I could have stormed out, but I thought, no I quite fancy commentating on France versus Italy.
      “No more England, so it will be a slightly strange thing. Once the decision has been taken you have to absorb it, realise it’s not the end of the world.
      “It’s nice if you’re missed a little bit.”

      Sam Matterface has previously been supportive of Tyldesley after ITV’s decision, telling the Mail on Sunday:
      “Clive is a brilliant commentator. He is a commentator who is editorially fantastic. He knows how to hit the mark and how to deliver a line.
      “I think it’s right that people had the opportunity to pay tribute to him and to say how great he has been.
      “He is not going anywhere. He is still going to work with ITV and is still going to work with talkSPORT. He is still doing a lot of work and quite rightly so.”
      Matterface is also the former spouse of talkSport presenter Natalie Sawyer.

      Euro 2020 got underway on June 11 in Rome as Italy beat Turkey 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico, with the final set to take place on July 11 at Wembley in London.
      The Stadio Olimpico in Rome will host three more Euros games after the opener on June 11 More

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      How do concussion substitutes work and can the player come back on the field?

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      CONCUSSION substitutes were introduced at the start of this year in the Premier League to protect players who suffered head injuries during games but will NOT be at Euro 2020.The FA led the call for the Law to be brought in after growing increasingly concerned at links between football and dementia, but players who are replaced CAN’T come back onto the pitch.
      David Luiz receives treatment for a head injury in the Premier League
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      UEFA have approved the use of concussion subs at the Euro Under-21 finals, but the protocol will NOT be in place for the senior tournament.
      Just one concussion substitute per team is permitted at the Euro Under-21 finals, different to the rules in the Premier League.
      The Premier League concussion substitute law allows each team to make two permanent concussion substitutes if players have head injuries, assessed by qualified medics.
      The Premier League trial of concussion substitutes began on February 6 2021 during Matchweek 23
      Sheffield United’s Enda Stevens receives treatment for a head injury
      If a player shows no clear signs of concussion they will be allowed to continue, but will be continually monitored by medics on the sidelines.
      The player will then undergo a formal clinical assessment at half time or full time to find out the extent of the injury.
      The opposing team is also allowed to make an additional substitution if a concussion substitute comes on to avoid one side gaining an advantage through fresher legs.

      The Premier League was the first league in the world to begin trials for concussion substitutes.
      The trial lasted until the end of the 2020/21 Premier League season, but can continue into the next campaign.
      Manchester United’s Eric Bailly is assessed for concussion More

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      France cleared of any wrongdoing by Uefa over Benjamin Pavard concussion fears after providing evidence he was NOT KOd

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      FRANCE have been cleared by Uefa over there treatment of Benjamin Pavard after they provided evidence he was NOT knocked out against Germany – despite claiming he was.The governing body asked the French Football Federation to explain why the Bayern Munich defender was able to stay on the field after a heavy blow to his head.
      Benjamin Pavard claimed he was KOd during the contest with GermanyCredit: AFP
      Concerns were raised further when Pavard gave an interview following the 1-0 victory where he said he had lost consciousness for 10-15 seconds.
      But Uefa say they have now seen information that the French medics acted within protocols aimed at protecting the welfare of the players.
      A statement said: “UEFA has received detailed information from the French FA medical team on the course of events and is satisfied that the actions taken by the medical team were in line with the concussion protocol.
      “According to the reports that we received from the team doctor, it seems that a loss of consciousness did not occur.
      “The team doctor did not find any reason to suspect a concussion either on the pitch or after thorough assessment made by a renowned specialist in this field in later follow-up.
      “The player will nevertheless continue to be closely monitored over the coming days.
      “All 24 teams committed to follow the recommendations of the UEFA Concussion Charter before the start of the tournament and the responsibility for decision-making remains with the team doctor.
      “If the team doctor has any doubts about unconsciousness or signs of concussion, he should remove the player from the field.

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      France will not face any punishment over their handling of PavardCredit: EPA

      “The team doctor is the ONLY person who can take the decision for the player to stay on the pitch or be substituted.
      “The team doctor’s decision must always be respected, even if the player or the coach believes that the player is fit to continue.”
      Pavard was able to train the day after the match and is now expected to be available for France’s remaining Group F fixtures.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      France star Benjamin Pavard reveals he was knocked out for 15 seconds versus Germany More