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      Ryan Giggs to miss Euro 2020 confirm Wales after Man Utd icon charged with assault and coercive control of ex-girlfriend

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      RYAN GIGGS will miss out on leading Wales at Euro 2020 after he was charged with coercive control and assault on his ex-girlfriend.The Crown Prosecution announced their decision on Friday afternoon into the alleged incident at Giggs’ home in Manchester last November.
      Wales boss Ryan Giggs will miss Euro 2020Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      The Man Utd legend has been charged with assault and coersive control of his ex-girlfriendCredit: PA:Press Association
      And the 47-year-old will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on April 28 on charges of three alleged offences including two counts of assault and coercive control.
      Giggs had been placed on special leave by the Welsh FA since his arrest and was bailed twice by Greater Manchester Police.
      Football Association of Wales president Kieran O’Connor said recently they hoped their manager’s issues would be resolved on May 1 when his bail was due to end.
      Now a statement from the Welsh FA has confirmed: “The Football Association of Wales has noted the decision of The Crown Prosecution Service to proceed with charging Ryan Giggs, the Men’s National Team Manager.
      “In light of this decision, the FAW can confirm that Robert Page will assume the role of Cymru Men’s National Team manager for this summer’s EURO 2020 tournament and will be assisted by Albert Stuivenberg.
      “An FAW Board meeting will be convened to discuss these developments and its impact on the Association and the National Team.
      “The FAW will not be making any further comment at this current time.”
      Now caretaker Robert Page, who has been in charge for the last six games in Giggs’ absence, will fill in once again for the tournament this summer.
      How England’s path to Euros glory could look

      Wales play Switzerland in their opener in Baku on June 12 before facing Turkey and Italy in the group stage.
      Giggs became Wales manager in January 2018 on a four-year contract and his side qualified for the delayed Euros due to the pandemic in November 2019.
      Greater Manchester Police confirmed the charges in a statement on Friday.
      Common assault carries a maximum sentence of six months and or a fine of up to £5,000.
      But the more serious charge of coercive control could see him locked up for up to five years if guilty and receive an unlimited fine.
      The law was introduced in 2015 to address “controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship which causes someone to fear that violence will be used against them”.
      Following the row, PR exec Kate packed her bags and fled to a secret rural location with their labrador, Mac.
      Giggs met Kate when she started doing the PR for Hotel FootballCredit: Jim Clarke – The Sun
      Ryan and Kate went public eight months after his divorce from wife Stacey, picturedCredit: PA
      She was seen walking the pooch with a bruised lip after the alleged incident.
      He had been dating Kate on and off since 2017.
      They met when she started doing the PR for Hotel Football in 2013 after moving from Dubai.
      Giggs went public with the relationship when he was pictured with her holidaying in Italy in August 2018.
      It was eight months after his divorce from wife ­Stacey, whom he had been cheating on for eight years with brother Rhodri’s wife Natasha.
      At the same time, Giggs had a fling with Big Brother’s Imogen Thomas.
      Giggs won the Champions League twice and the Premier League 13 times in a glittering career before becoming Wales manager in January 2018 on a four-year contract.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Rhodri Giggs says older brother Ryan Giggs is a sex addict and that he feels sorry for him More

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      Euro 2020 venues: Which cities are hosting the tournament, which have dropped out and how many fans will each allow?

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      EURO 2020 is almost here after an extremely long wait.And Uefa have now announced the list of cities hosting the tournament following the coronavirus pandemic, plus how many fans they will allow.
      Wembley will be one of the main venues for Euro 2020Credit: Reuters
      Which cities are hosting Euro 2020?
      This summer’s competition will be hosted in 11 different cities, down from the original 12.
      The stadiums hosting the competition are as follows:

      Wembley Stadium – London, England
      Allianz Arena – Munich, Germany
      Stadio Olimpico – Rome, Italy
      Olympic Stadium – Baku, Azerbaijan
      Krestovsky Stadium – Saint Petersburg, Russia
      Arena Nationala – Bucharest, Romania
      Johan Cruyff Arena – Amsterdam, Holland
      Estadio de la Cartuja – Sevilla, Spain
      Puskas Arena – Budapest, Hungary
      Hampden Park – Glasgow, Scotland
      Parken Stadium – Copenhagen, Denmark

      However, some host cities are in doubt, meaning England could get even more games than they’d planned for. 
      Which countries are still hosting Euro 2020 and how many fans will they allow?
      The following countries have given Uefa they assurances they need to host the competition.
      European football’s governing body has demanded all host cities commit to holding games with fans, preferably at a minimum of 25 per cent of stadium capacity.
      ENGLAND
      Wembley Stadium, London (90,000 capacity)
      Wembley is set to host the Euro 2020 final
      Wembley is set to host all England’s group matches, plus the Euro 2020 semi-final and final.
      The FA have committed to hold their group games at a 25 per cent capacity.
      However, this is likely to increase for the semi-final and final, with talk of a 50 per cent, or even a full capacity for those games.
      SCOTLAND
      Hampden Park, Glasgow (51,866 capacity)
      Scotland has given Hampden Park the go-ahead for Euro 2020 matchesCredit: PA:Press Association
      After months of speculation, the Scottish FA confirmed that Scotland would be able to host Euro 2020.
      Hampden Park is the venue for two of Scotland’s Euro 2020 group games, plus Croatia’s match against the Czech Republic and one last 16 match.
      It will host games at a 25 per cent capacity.
      AZERBAIJAN
      Olympic Stadium, Baku (68,700 capacity)
      Baku will host matches at a 50 per cent capacityCredit: Reuters
      Azerbaijan has announced that it will be able to host Euro 2020 matches, including Wales’ fixtures against Switzerland and Turkey.
      Baku will also host Turkey vs Switzerland and one quarter-final.
      All matches will be held at a 50 per cent capacity.
      DENMARK
      Parken Stadium, Copenhagen (38,065 capacity)
      Copenhagen was the first city to announce it would host Euro 2020 games with fansCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Copenhagen will host all three of Denmark’s group matches, plus one last 16 match.
      The Danish capital was the first city to announce in 2021 that it would host Euro 2020 with fans.
      A crowd of 25-33 per cent capacity will be allowed into Parken Stadium.
      RUSSIA
      Krestovsky Stadium, St Petersburg (68,134 capacity)
      Russia has been holding matches with fans throughout this seasonCredit: AP:Associated Press
      St Petersburg will host two of Russia’s three home group games, plus Finland vs Belgium and one quarter-final.
      In addition, it has been handed the three group games that were set to be hosted by Dublin.
      All matches will be played at a minimum 50 per cent capacity.
      Russia has been holding matches at half full stadiums throughout this season, while most of Europe has been playing behind closed doors due to coronavirus.
      ROMANIA
      Arena Nationala, Bucharest (55,600 capacity)
      Romania did not qualify for Euro 2020 but the Arena Nationala will still host gamesCredit: Getty
      Romania failed to qualify for Euro 2020 but their national stadium will still host three matches from Group C and one last 16 match.
      Games at the Arena Nationala will be hosted at a capacity of 25-33 per cent.
      HOLLAND
      Johan Cruyff Arena (56,000 capacity)
      Amsterdam will be hosting all Holland’s Euro 2020 group gamesCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Netherlands was the second country to announce it would host Euro 2020 games, following Denmark.
      All Holland’s group games will be hosted at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam with a 25-33 per cent capacity able to attend.
      The country already started piloting matches with fans with March’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia.
      HUNGARY
      Puskas Arena, Budapest (67,215 capacity)
      Budapest is expecting to host games at full capacityCredit: Getty
      Budapest will host two of Hungary’s three group matches, plus a repeat of the Euro 2016 final between Portugal and France.
      It will also host one last 16 match.
      The Hungarian capital is the only city to announce that games will be hosted at full capacity, subject to strict entry requirements.
      ITALY
      Stadio Olimpico, Rome (72,698 capacity)
      Rome has given Uefa the assurances it needsCredit: EPA
      Italy was given extra time by Uefa to confirm that it could host fans at Euro 2020.
      And the Stadio Olimpico in Rome has announced that it will host games at a 25 per cent capacity.
      Rome will host all of Italy’s group matches and a quarter-final which could involve England.
      GERMANY
      Allianz Arena (70,000 capacity)
      Munich was the last of the original host cities to agree to host the tournamentCredit: Getty
      The last of the original host cities to be announced – Munich was only confirmed on April 23.
      The German city has committed to host matches in front of a minimum of 14,500 fans – a 20 per cent capacity – the lowest of all the host cities.
      SPAIN
      Estadio de la Cartuja, Seville (60,000)
      Seville is a last minute addition as a Euro 2020 co-hostCredit: Reuters
      A last minute addition, Seville will host the games that would have been held in Bilbao after the Spanish FA deemed the Basque Government’s conditions for hosting matches there “impossible” to meet.
      The stadium is will prepared to host games, having been the Spanish FA’s de facto home during the pandemic.
      Estadio de la Cartuja has hosted all Spain games, two Copa del Rey finals and the Spanish Super Cup in the past 12 months.
      Euro 2020 games there will be played at a 30 per cent capacity.
      Which cities have been removed from hosting Euro 2020?
      The following countries failed to give Uefa the assurances they need to host Euro 2020.
      IRELAND
      Aviva Stadium, Dublin (51,700 capacity)
      Dublin is the most likely city to miss out on hosting Euro 2020Credit: PA
      Dublin will miss out on Euro 2020 after failing to give Uefa guarantees that any fans will be allowed to attend matches.
      The Irish capital was set to host three Group E matches and a last 16 game that may well have ended up involving England.
      The three group matches it would have hosted have gone to St Petersburg while the last 16 match will be held at Wembley.
      SPAIN
      San Mames, Bilbao (53,322 capacity)
      The Spanish FA have refused to back Bilbao’s submission to UefaCredit: Reuters
      Bilbao did commit to meet Uefa’s minimum requirement of a 25 per cent capacity, however the Spanish FA refused to back their submission due to the conditions attached.
      The Basque government had stated that it would be able to host games provided 60 per cent of the Basque country and the rest of Spain had been vaccinated and less than two per cent of those in hospital were coronavirus patients.
      But the Spanish FA labelled these conditions “impossible” to meet.
      As a result, Seville will host the matches that were set for Bilbao.

      Will any cities allow fans of other countries to travel?
      The following countries are set to allow away fans to travel.
      AZERBAIJAN
      Azerbaijan has announced that fans of all travelling teams (Wales, Turkey, Switzerland and the two Baku quarter-finalists) will be able to submit a negative PCR test to enter the country instead of quarantining.
      This offer only applies to citizens or residents of the participating countries.
      RUSSIA
      St Petersburg is considering offering exemptions to entry requirements for all foreign residents with match tickets and a negative Covid test.
      However, a final decision has not yet been confirmed.
      HUNGARY
      Foreign ticket holders looking to attend games in Budapest must provide evidence of two negative Covid tests taken in the five days before entering Hungary.
      The Hungarian government will also accept a certificate of previous Covid infection in the 6 months before entering the country.
      ROMANIA
      Romania is considering providing an exemption to quarantine for foreign ticket holders for games in Bucharest.
      This will apply to those who provide proof of a negative Covid test and restrict their stay in Romania to three days or les.
      ENGLAND*
      England is expected to allow 3600 Scotland fans to attend the game against the Three Lions at Wembley.
      However, this trip would not involve crossing a border and no exemption is set to apply to fans of Croatia and the Czech Republic from overseas.
      The FA are also reportedly considering allowing fans of the semi-finalists and finalists attend games under a bubble arrangement. More

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      England handed huge Euro boost with prospective last-16 game moved to Wembley from Dublin after Irish coronavirus fears

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      ENGLAND have been given a major Euro 2020 boost after Uefa moved the Three Lions’ prospective last-16 game to Wembley.But hopes that the country would get all of the matches stripped from Dublin have been dashed – with the three group games due to be played in the Irish capital now moved to St Petersburg.
      England’s last 16 clash has been moved to Wembley handing Southgate a major boostCredit: Getty
      How England’s path to Euros glory could look
      The news is a huge positive for Gareth Southgate and his men, who can now play SIX of their potential seven games in the tournament under the Arch.
      England were due to play in the last 16 – against the runner up from the group including France, Portugal and Germany – at the Aviva on June 29 if they came out top of their opening group with Croatia, Scotland and the Czech Republic.
      Now, though, they will retain home advantage and play at Wembley if they can finish at the head of Group D.
      It means that, if England can win the group, their path to the Final would be entirely at Wembley apart from a last eight match in Rome on July 3. 
      The decision was taken by Uefa’s ruling executive committee this morning after an emergency session.
      Dublin and Bilbao – due to host all three of Spain’s group games – lost their hosting rights after being unable to give Uefa the guarantees demanded by President Aleksander Ceferin that fans would be allowed to attend matches.
      The FA had made it clear they were open to staging extra matches on English soil, echoing the offer from PM Boris Johnson.
      That appeared to open up the chance of all four Dublin games coming to the north west, with Manchester the initial favourite.
      Gareth Southgate and his side could play six out of seven matches at WembleyCredit: Getty

      But both the Etihad and Old Trafford were ruled out when the clubs informed Uefa they will undertake major pitch renovations over the summer.
      And while London remained a possibility, Sweden’s game with Slovakia is scheduled for Dublin on June 18 – the same day as England play Scotland.
      Uefa’s aversion to staging major matches in any competitions in the same city on the same day ruled out any London ground.

      More crucially, with all the other groups split over two venues, Uefa felt it would be unfair to make Sweden and Slovakia alone play their group matches in three different stadiums and cities.
      Instead, Group E will now be split between St Petersburg and Seville. Munich finally met the Uefa demands and will keep its planned matches, including a last eight clash.
      Gareth Southgate’s men are joint-favourites alongside France to win the competition as they look for their first major piece of silverware since 1966.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      England could host an extra Euro 2020 game as Ireland is hit by Covid

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      ENGLAND is set to be invited to host another European Championship fixture because of Ireland’s high Covid rates, The Sun can reveal.Hopes are soaring that the Euros Round of 16 match due to be played in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on 29 June will be moved to Wembley.
      🔵 Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest updates
      England could host an extra Euro 2020 game as Ireland is hit by CovidCredit: Alamy
      Boris Johnson has offered to host more games thanks to lower Covid rates in the UKCredit: Reuters
      It would mean that if England win their group stage they would play the first knockout round match at the home of football.
      Wembley is already due to host the semis and final of the tournament that was meant to be played across 12 Euro 2021 host cities.

      In March Boris Johnson offered to host more games thanks to lower Covid rates in the UK – and negotiations have been ongoing with UEFA ever since.
      Talks were ongoing last night but ministers are hopeful of a breakthrough as soon as today.
      One source said: “The PM won huge support with UEFA this week in his tough stand on the Super League.”

      Boris Johnson says investigation into football governance will go ahead despite Super League collapse More

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      Wembley set to land two or three Euro 2020 matches as Dublin and Bilbao miss out

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      WEMBLEY is expected to be awarded two or three extra Euro 2020 matches when Uefa chiefs make their final decisions on the event this morning.On Monday Uefa put off their last call on what to do about the tournament’s games scheduled for Dublin and Bilbao as they took on the Super League rebels.
      Wembley is set to welcome some more Euro 2020 games in the summerCredit: PA
      But Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has set today’s emergency meeting of the ruling executive committee as his final deadline.
      Both Dublin and Bilbao were unable to meet the guarantee that fans will be allowed into stadiums to watch games.
      It is anticipated two of the matches due to be played at the Aviva will be moved to Wembley.
      But with the FA’s firm stance in backing Uefa against the Super League wannabes having been gratefully received in Nyon, Gareth Southgate’s England could also play their last-16 game at Wembley — if they can win their group.
      At least one of the Dublin matches — Sweden’s game with Slovakia on June 18 — is likely to be moved to St Petersburg in Russia.
      The Bilbao games will all stay in Spain but be switched to Seville.
      It has been confirmed that Rome will stage all its matches, including the tournament opener on June 11.
      But doubts remain over Munich, with Uefa hoping to get agreement from German authorities before the final decision is made.
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      England boast the most-valuable squad of all Euro 2020 nations
      England are already scheduled to play their three group games against Croatia, Scotland and Czech Republic at the national stadium.
      It will be the first set of major tournament games the Three Lions have played at Wembley since Euro 96.
      Southgate’s men are currently joint favourites for Euro 2020 along with world champions France.
      Belgium, Germany, Spain and Portugal shortly follow the two front-runners in what promises to be a hotly contested competition.
      Gabby Agbonlahor doesn’t believe Trent Alexander-Arnold will make the England squad for the Euros More

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      Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson cried watching Ryan Christie’s emotional interview after Scotland qualified for Euro 2020

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON was moved to tears when Scotland qualified for the Euros.The Manchester United icon was particularly touched by Ryan Christie’s emotional post-match interview.
      Sir Alex Ferguson was moved to tears watching Ryan Christie’s interviewCredit: Reuters
      The Scotland star was overcome with emotion after his country qualified for the Euros
      Former Scotland boss Fergie was overcome with emotion after the Scots reached their first major tournament since 1998.
      His country won a dramatic penalty shoot-out in the play-off against Serbia.
      And Celtic midfielder Christie was beside himself after the win.
      With 50 days to go until the tournament kicks off, Ferguson revealed how emotional he was after the game.
      He said: “When Serbia scored in the last minute I thought ‘Oh Christ Almighty, extra-time, no chance’. But they saw it through and dug their heels in.
      “But Davie Marshall’s save, and he didn’t even know whether they had qualified or not, and everyone is jumping on top of him.
      “And then the Ryan Christie interview. Christ, I was crying when I saw him crying. It was fantastic. You talk about a boost to the country – it was fantastic.
      “I’m sure half the country would have watched that night. We will always remember Davie Marshall’s reaction and Ryan Christie’s interview.
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      England boast the most-valuable squad of all Euro 2020 nations

      “These are special moments which encapsulate exactly what it meant to everyone. Ryan Christie was crying for Scotland, for every Scottish fan.
      “So it resonates because of the love Scotland has for football. It was amazing, really amazing.”
      The Scots will face Czech Republic and Croatia at Hampden Park either side of a mammoth clash with England at Wembley.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Ryan Christie gives emotional interview after Scotland qualified for Euro 2020 More

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      Jack Grealish spotted chatting to England boss Gareth Southgate in stands as Aston Villa ace battles to be fit for Euros

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      JACK GREALISH was spotted having a chinwag with England boss Gareth Southgate last night.The duo were both in the stands to watch the Villans’ clash with Manchester City in the Premier League.

      Southgate and Grealish had a catch up in the stands at Villa ParkCredit: Sky Sports
      Fans were bewildered by Southgate’s previous reluctance to pick Grealish prior to this season.
      But the pair appeared thick as thieves as they caught up in the Villa Park posh seats ahead of the home side’s 2-1 defeat.
      Grealish, 25, is widely tipped to be deserving of a starting spot at Euro 2020 in the summer.
      But the Villa skipper faces a battle to be fit, having not played since February 13 after suffering a shin injury.
      Southgate, 50, was made to explore other options during the March international break, with Jesse Lingard having made an incredible resurgence.
      But Villa boss Dean Smith offered a positive update on Grealish prior to last night’s game.
      He said: “No, he’s not available. He’s pain free but, as I said a few weeks ago, we’re not going to rush him back.
      “I did say it’d be a few weeks before we got him back out again and we’re still waiting for him to get back out onto the grass.
      The duo appeared thick as thievesCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      They then took in the action in each other’s companyCredit: Reuters
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      “He’s itching to get in and we want him back.”
      When fit, Grealish managed an impressive seven goals and 12 assists in all competitions this season.
      He has so far been capped five times by England, with fans hoping he can add to that tally in the summer.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Jack Grealish looks on top form back in Aston Villa training More

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      Chelsea starlet Mason Mount a must-start at Euro 2020, insist ex-England stars Ferdinand, Cole, Lineker and Hoddle

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      MASON MOUNT has been backed for a starring role at Euro 2020 by a quartet of England heroes.Gary Lineker, Glenn Hoddle, Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole praised the midfielder’s attitude and ability in discussing how best to play him this summer.
      Mason Mount has starred for Chelsea and England this seasonCredit: Reuters
      Rio Ferdinand added his voice to the calls for him to start at Euro 2020Credit: Getty
      Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s game with Porto on Tuesday evening, former defender Ferdinand highlighted how Mount, 22, has fought off criticism while starring for Chelsea.
      He told BT Sport: “We can talk about ability and how he plays etc, but one thing that is not in doubt is his character.
      “For one so young to be criticised the way he has been, [which was] because he’s not an Instagram-friendly player.
      “He isn’t a player who does loads of skill and stepovers and has a showreel on Instagram.
      “He’s about output and influencing games, taking a game by the scruff of the neck at a critical moment. And he’s someone I think that will continue to grow and he relishes being under the spotlight.
      “If we’re talking about England, he starts. Where he plays, you can sort that out.”
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      Gareth Southgate will have an impressive array of attacking midfielders to select from this summer, including Jack Grealish and James Maddison, but Cole made the case for Mount’s greater defensive work.
      The ex-Chelsea star said: “Whether he starts is not even a question, Gareth’s just thinking, ‘He’s in the team, who do I put around him?’.
      “What he does that the Grealishes and Maddisons can’t is he can play deeper, he’s more responsible with the ball, but he’s also got that bit of magic.”
      Talk turned to exactly how the 16-capped Mount will settle into this England side, and a Twitter poll where 79 per cent of fans wanted him in the line-up.
      Lineker joked he ‘was not quite sure’ what those who voted against Mount starting ‘were thinking’.
      Ferdinand recommended playing him as one of two more advanced central players in a three-man midfield, and Hoddle agreed that he should feature in the ‘spine’ of the team.

      And 1998 World Cup manager Hoddle added: “What I like about him, it is about his end product.
      “There are other players who do flashier things, his end product is that turn we saw last week [to score against Porto], that’s the place on the pitch and the time to do it.
      “Not on the halfway line to put your goal at threat, he does it with end product.”
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