Exclusives

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      How you can bunk off work on Monday after Euros final WITHOUT getting sacked, lawyer reveals

      by

      THERE is a way England fans can bunk off work on Monday after the Euros final without losing your job, a lawyer has revealed.Depending on the outcome of the big game against Spain, Brits across the country are likely to be either celebrating or drowning their sorrows.Depending on the result, fans could be celebrating or drowning their sorrows on SundayCredit: AlamyEngland fans in Manchester celebrate Ollie Watkin’s goal against the Netherlands in the Euro semi-final gameCredit: PAHopefully England supporters will be celebrating a historic win on SundayCredit: AlamyEither way, many could over do it and find themselves the worse for wear come Monday morning and the need to head to work.Lawyer Lynette Calder, from 5 Pump Court, has revealed there is a way you can be excused from a day’s toil without being fired.In most cases, not turning up for work when you’re due in would be a breach of the terms and conditions of your employment.Lynette warned: “Basically you have a contract with your employer and in most cases not turning up when you should will breach that contract, unless you are covered – as most people are – by a clause about sickness but it unlikely that a hangover will be covered by that.”Read More on the EurosBut there is a way you can swerve this but it depends on how long you have worked for your employer as well as your track record of attendance there.Any employer who has worked for the same employer for at least two years has the statutory right not to be dismissed unfairly.Lynette said: “This means that in certain circumstances, whatever your contract says, the statutory rules apply.“The key question here is likely to be your employers trust and confidence in you, if you lie and are caught out in a lie then that can be even more damaging than the not turning up.Most read in Euro 2024“On the other hand who wants to tell their boss they aren’t coming in because they are hungover?”But a large factor is down to just how well you get on with your boss.England gets ready for almighty Euro 2024 final party with fans set to spend £800MILLION on beer and pizzaLynette added: “If it’s good and your company needs you then a strictly truthful ‘I really don’t’ feel very well’ is unlikely to be a big deal, unless everyone in the company does the same thing.“In which case your employer may well want to make something of it to discourage it happening again, here you could be looking at a verbal or a written warning.”Which would mean you are likely to find yourself in the clear with no problems, but things could be trickier if things aren’t so good.Lynette said: “If you already have problems and there is a history of your employer querying your performance then they could take more drastic action up to and including dismissal for gross misconduct depending on all the circumstances.”Another aspect to consider is just how important is it that you turn up for work on Monday and are able to perform your role.The legal expert said: “If it is crucial to the business that you turn up on Monday and you don’t, or you turn up not capable of performing your job, then your employer may well be able to fairly impose sanctions up to and including dismissal.”However, anyone trying to duck out of work when they have worked for their current boss for two years may find themselves in a sticky situation.Lynette said: “If you have less than two years service bear in mind that the ‘fairness’ test doesn’t apply to you.“That means in practise that your employer can get rid of you with very little risk to themselves, so you may be even less inclined to give them any sort of reason to want to.”To give yourself peace of mind, come Monday morning and the possibility of being hungover, the advice is simple – book a day’s holiday.If it’s too late for getting some time off there are some decent alcohol-free beers on the market that you can enjoy, safe in the knowledge you’ll have a clear head in the morning.BIG SPENDINGThe news comes after it is expected a whopping £800million will be spent on pizza and beer for the Euro 2024 final.World Cup hat-trick hero Sir Geoff is hoping Gareth Southgate’s men will finally end 58 years of trophyless hurt — and he is backing growing calls for a bank holiday if football does comes home.With warm weather forecast, packed boozers around the country will be allowed to stay open extra late on Sunday night — as they were for Wednesday’s semi-final triumph.Experts reckon Ollie Watkins’ dramatic 90th-minute winner against the Netherlands has triggered a £405million spending bonanza in pubs and supermarkets.An estimated £120million worth of booze will be sunk on Sunday alone, with pubs expected to sell ten million more pints than usual.READ MORE SUN STORIESTesco, Britain’s biggest supermarket, reckons it will sell four million packs of beer and cider, plus 1.2 million cans and bottles of low and zero-alcohol beer.Andrew Rennie, chief executive of Domino’s, said the takeaway chain expects to be making 20 to 25 pizzas a second during the game.Fans could find themselves in hot water with their boss if they don’t show up for work on Monday morningCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)Fans may feel the worse for wear come Monday morning if they’ve over-indulgedCredit: EPA More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Mystic’ meerkats predict who will win tonight’s Euro 2024 semi-final between England and the Netherlands

      by

      A GROUP of mystic meerkats has predicted victory for England over the Netherlands tonight.The creatures choose one of two buckets of nuts — each decorated with a national flag.A mob of mystic meerkats have predicted victory for England over the Netherlands tonightCredit: PAThe one most head for wins and, so far, the predictive pack has correctly forecast England’s results.Gemma Romanis, head keeper at Drusillas Park, East Sussex said: “Don’t doubt the mystic meerkats’ psychic powers!”Meanwhile, The Sun’s Mystic Wag Chloe is backing our boys again.Chloe, 27, reckons goalie Jordan Pickford will be key as he is born on a month’s 7th day — March — which indicates “luck and divine alignment”.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLast month, The Sun reported that a psychic eagle said never to get anything wrong predicted glory for England as they started their campaign at the Euros.Honey, an African tawny eagle, indicated a win for the Three Lions when they faced Serbia in their opening match in Gelsenkirchen.Alex Leonard, director of Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation in Eynsford, Kent, had bird of prey handlers hold up an England and a Serbian flag, with Honey then flying to her choice.Alex said: “Honey is our psychic eagle and she never gets anything wrong.Most read in Euro 2024“She correctly predicts if members of staff are going to head off to pastures new by giving them grief.“And she knows when members of the crowd don’t like birds by flying low and brushing a wing gently across their head to say ‘Hello’.Teddy Sheringham backs England to beat Netherlands like he did in 1996 then go on to WIN Euro 2024“She even predicts the weather and won’t come out if it’s going to rain heavily.“The team here is doing an accumulator based on Honey’s abilities and tonight she says it’s glory for England.” More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Hero BA air hostess ensured passengers could watch England’s penalty shootout win over Switzerland mid-flight

      by

      A QUICK-thinking air hostess ensured passengers saw England’s penalty shootout win over Switzerland mid-flight.She came to the rescue after Saturday’s BA flight from Heraklion, Greece, to Heathrow was delayed.A quick-thinking BA air hostess ensured passengers saw England’s penalty shootout win over Switzerland by holding up a phoneCredit: XIt meant travellers who had hoped to land in time to see the end of the game were still in the air when extra time ended and penalties approached.Take-off of the Airbus A321 twin-jet was pushed back from 4.50pm to 5.27pm, meaning touchdown in the UK was not until 7.20pm, rather than the scheduled 6.32pm landing.But the flight attendant held up a phone to passengers — who could not use their own — so they could watch the gripping climax streamed live.Impressed flyers looked on in delight as penalty hero Trent Alexander-Arnold secured the 5-3 spot-kick victory following the 1-1 draw.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPassenger Lee Douglas said: “Well done that crew.” Another described her as “an angel”.BA bosses are set to announce special tech plans to enable passengers to watch the Netherlands game today when flying at 30,000ft.England’s penalty shoot-out secrets More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      The Sun’s mascot Harry Mane crowned King of the Jungle after slaying the Dutch Lion ahead of tonight’s Euro 2024 semi

      by

      THE Sun’s mascot Harry Mane was crowned King of the Jungle yesterday after he slayed the Dutch Lion ahead of tonight’s Euros semi.The two alpha males went claw to claw in party-loving Netherlands capital Amsterdam — and our mascot, named after goal-hungry Harry Kane, came out on top.The Sun’s mascot Harry Mane was crowned King of the Jungle after beating the Dutch Lion ahead of tonight’s Euros semiCredit: Paul EdwardsThe pair pre-fight in AmsterdamCredit: Paul EdwardsAs they shook paws, events company boss Merlijn Boshuizen, 47, who is behind the Dutch Lion, said: “I have to admit, Harry is the main man.“But although he might have won this little contest, I still hope Netherlands can win the main one on the pitch.”The mascot cycled through the city streets which thrilled the Brits who were on holiday there – and annoyed the locals.One shouted at him: “You’re brave to do that around here!”READ MORE EUROS NEWSBut Harry – who has supported England at tournaments all over the world – has never been lacking in courage.He also headed to the Rembrandt Monument, erected in the honour of the 17th Century Dutch painter.And while tourists were taking selfies Harry slipped in at the far post to celebrate England’s midfield artist, striking a Jude Bellingham goal celebration pose.Harry then popped on a huge pair of giant yellow clogs, before meeting up with the Dutch Lion for their showdown at high noon.Most read in Euro 2024Once the Orange Lion had admitted defeat they shook paws – and then did the Dutch fan walk dance together.A school is giving pupils a “lie in” so they can stay up late to watch England. Rosegrove Infants kids in Burnley can come in two hours late.Sun mascot Harry Mane roared into Slovakia yesterday to discover the locals fear a gou-lashing off EnglandThe pair exchanging pleasantries before the boutCredit: Paul EdwardsHarry took photos with excited England fansCredit: Paul EdwardsThe mascot cycled through the Amsterdam city streetsCredit: Paul EdwardsHarry Mane has supported England at tournaments all over the worldCredit: Paul Edwards More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Motorsport

      Vegan burger bar chain backed by huge sports star and A-list actor is slammed by health inspectors 

      by

      A VEGAN burger bar backed by F1 ace Lewis Hamilton was quick to clean up its act after being deemed the pits.The Neat Burger branch was rated just two out of five for food hygiene in a recent inspection.A vegan burger bar backed by Lewis Hamilton was rated just two out of five for food hygieneCredit: AlamyA council team inspected Neat Burger in Camden, LondonCredit: InstagramAlthough the report said food handling and management on site were satisfactory, it also stated “improvement was necessary” in other areas.Bosses were quick to tackle the issues, caused by a pest problem, and challenged the rating.A spokesman said: “Following a reassessment, our branch received a five-star rating, reflecting our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and safety.”A council team had inspected Neat Burger in Camden, North London, in May.READ MORE IN SPORTSIt is one of four in the capital operated by the celeb-backed chain.Investors include seven-time F1 champ Sir Lewis, who adopted a plant-based diet in 2017, and Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio.Neat Burger launched in 2019 with a mission “to create sustainable delicious dishes”.Sir Lewis, 39, said: “I believe we need a healthier high street option that tastes amazing and offers something exciting to those who want to be meat-free every now and again.”Most read in MotorsportBut last year the company posted substantial losses and confirmed half of its eight outlets in London would close.At the time, a company spokesman said: “We are concentrating our efforts on our best performing restaurants — we believe that sometimes taking a step back is necessary to make a bigger leap forward.”The report stated ‘improvement was necessary’ at Neat BurgerCredit: InstagramLewis Hamilton grimaces as he ‘eats a dog biscuit’ in NFL schedule release video for team F1 star part owns More

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea hire lawyers to probe sexual harassment complaint made by female worker against male employee

      by

      PREMIER League giants Chelsea have hired lawyers to investigate a sexual harassment complaint made by a female worker.Club owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are aware of the grievance she has raised against a male employee.A female worker at Chelsea has made allegations about an incident she claims took place on club property in 2022Credit: RexTodd Boehly, one of the owners of Chelsea, is said to be aware of the complaintCredit: GettyThey  said they take concerns of sexual harassment seriously.The woman made allegations about an incident she said took place on club property in May 2022.Club officials began looking into the matter last year when they were made aware, but earlier this year the male employee was cleared of misconduct and sexual harassment. The alleged incident took place before the new owners took over control of the club.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe woman resigned and has appealed against the ruling. Now the club has appointed independent barrister Tara Shahbahrami  to review her appeal, overseen by Chelsea’s chief financial officer Adriel Lares.Ms Shahbahrami’s LinkedIn profile says she has “more than ten years’ experience of conducting complex, lengthy and sensitive investigations  in workplace settings”.The timing of the allegations coincided with the club’s £4.25billion takeover by a  consortium led by US businessman Mr Boehly. The purchase was approved by the Government as it had control of the club after previous owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned with the freezing of his financial assets here following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.Most read in FootballRussian oligarch Abramovich had owned Chelsea for 19 years.Since the takeover  the West London club have spent around £1billion on new players.However, they endured a turbulent period on the pitch last season, ultimately finishing sixth. The club have been approached for comment. EXCLUSIVE: How ‘lovely’ Carlo Ancelotti stunned Chelsea TV worker with humble act after taking over at the Blues More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      England get boost as Germany fans pledge to cheer Three Lions on at Euro 2024

      by

      ENGLAND’s army of fans will be boosted tonight by a fanatical band of supporters – from Germany.A generation of soccer nuts from the east of the once-divided Euros host nation supported teams which played against the old West Germany.England fans have extra support from a section of German fans backing them to win Euro 2024Credit: GettyAnd many fell in love with the Three Lions in the glory days of 1966 when Bobby Moore lifted the World Cup – and never looked back.East Germans now in their 60’s and 70’s – as well as their children and grandchildren – told yesterday how they will gather to roar on Gareth Southgate’s stars tonight.Reinhard Lisker, 66, and his wife, son and grandson was among dozens of Germans wearing England shirts as they turned out to watch Southgate train in Jena.He said: “As a boy growing up under communism I supported teams which played against West Germany.READ MORE EURO 2024“So I became an England fan the day they won the World Cup in 1966.“I’m proud to wear my England shirt today alongside my family who all support Gareth Southgate’s team, and it’s a thrill to see them in my home town.”The grandad is among dozens of England superfans who live close to England’s trainingbase in Blankenhein in the old east.German England fan Stephan Kühl, 64, is even know as Keegan for once sporting the same permed hairdo as his 70’s Three lion hero Kevin.Most read in FootballStephan said: “I sing ‘England ‘til I die’ when I watch games live.”Jude Bellingham takes selfies with fans as England star prepares for Switzerland clashHis 50-year-old pal Stefan Meissner – known as “Gunner” thanks to his love of Arsenal and England – is also a member of the Eagles fan club which also backs German club Carl Zeiss Jena.Gunner said: “For most people here it was not natural to see your home country as your country, or something you would be proud of.“But to me the West Germans were arrogant and I didn’t like their style of football.“I totally fell in love with the way England played – toughness, the fighting spirit, but also their kind of gentleman’s attitude.“When the Berlin Wall came down in 1989 and there was German reunification, one of my first trips was to England. I saw Arsenal playing for the first time.”Keegan is backing England but begged Southgate to fire-up his stars yesterday.“I hope they win but they’re very boring – too much defence.“But if England plays against Germany, it’s even more important to me that England wins.”East Germans fell in love with Bobby Moore’s England side when they defeated West Germany in 1966Credit: Getty More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      England ace Jude Bellingham gets blessing from higher power as The Sun prays at National Shrine to St Jude for victory

      by

      THE Sun has sought divine intervention to help England win today — with a prayer at the National Shrine of St Jude, the patron saint of hope.First we placed photos of namesake Jude Bellingham beneath the ornate stained glass windows as shrine chaplain, Brother Paul de Groot, provided moral support.England superstar Jude Bellingham carries the nation’s Euro 2024 hopes after rescuing the team against SlovakiaCredit: GettyThe Sun’s Oliver Harvey has said a prayer at the shrine of St Jude, ahead of the quarter-finalCredit: Gary StoneThe National Shrine to St Jude is located at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Faversham, KentCredit: Gary StoneWearing a red 1966 Three Lions strip, Sun man Oliver Harvey then knelt and said in prayer: “St Jude, as the apostle of hope, please look kindly on England when they take on Switzerland.“And please give strength to our talismanic hero Jude Bellingham, who bears your name. “But please St Jude, don’t leave it as late as it was against Slovakia. Amen.”Now, we’re giving you the chance to recite our prayer.READ MORE JUDE BELLINGHAMBrother Paul, 73, said: “Many a pilgrim comes here looking and hoping for something and they pray to St Jude and, with luck, it will be answered.”The chaplain watched England’s No10 take our last match into extra time with a last-gasp bicycle kick. He admitted: “I’m not a great football fan but I had the TV on and then it happened — but to be honest it was a dire game.”The National Shrine to St Jude, dedicated in 1955, is an annex to the parish church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Faversham, Kent.Most read in Euro 2024St Jude was once regarded as the apostle of hopeless or lost causes — but that has now changed.Jude Bellingham takes selfies with fans as England star prepares for Switzerland clashBrother Paul explained: “I don’t think for God any cause is lost. “God is willing to hear and help any case which is why we now associate Jude with hope.“God can educate us through the difficulties and trials and tribulations of life. “That might well be happening to the England team now.”Brother Paul de Groot says pilgrims often visit ‘looking and hoping for something’Credit: Gary StoneOne prayer has already been answered — with Bellingham given only a suspended one-match ban for his groin-grabbing goal celebration.The ruling was toasted by supporters in Dusseldorf ahead of the quarter-final showdown.Sales executive Dec Evans, 33, of Blackburn, said: “I am delighted — but it’s a joke they even considered a ban. “He had just scored one of the most amazing goals in England football history — of course he’s going to celebrate.”Some 50,000 Three Lions fans in Germany, backed by millions watching at home, and in bars and fanzones, will be cheering for victory in what will be boss Gareth Southgate’s 100th game in charge.Carpenter Nick Thatcher, 45, of Bristol, said: “We have the best squad and there is no reason why we can’t go all the way.“It’s been a tough watch over the last couple of games, but it’s important the fans get behind the team when they need it most.”Only 6,731 tickets were made available to Three Lions fans through Uefa but a total of 30,000 are set to turn the 47,000-seat Dusseldorf Arena into a home ground for England.Many spent yesterday belting out songs as they sheltered from the rain under awnings outside bars in Dusseldorf’s Old Town.Pharmacist Dean Spotwood, 40, of Sheffield, said: “We gambled when we booked our flights that England would reach the quarter-finals. “It was looking like a disaster when we were 1-0 down to Slovakia, but Jude saved the day.”Ross Bunn, 36, of Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, will be going to his third Euros 2024 game with son Jude, nine. He said: “England haven’t clicked yet and we’re already in the quarter-final. When it does all work out, we can go all the way. “My son is loving it. He was named after actor Jude Law, but I’m loving the fact he now shares it with Mr Bellingham.’’Construction manager Scott Evans, 29, of Bexley, South East London, is there on his stag do with 18 friends and relatives. They booked in November hoping England would secure a Saturday evening quarter-final in Dusseldorf — exactly as it has worked out.Scott’s dad Paul, 58, said: “What better way to celebrate?”England awaitsBack home, fans will down an extra eight million pints in boozers today — giving the pub industry a £38million boost. Around 20million viewers will watch the match on TV after splashing out £200million on snacks and booze at stores.Music fans will also be able to watch the match after organisers of a string of gigs and festivals hurriedly erected big screens or changed set times.The Lightning Seeds, who sang Euro 96 anthem Three Lions with Frank Skinner and David Baddiel, will kick off their set at Lytham Festival, in Lancs, earlier so fans can cheer on England.Even the Big Sheep music festival in Devon — starring The Wurzels — will take a break for the footie. But Wimbledon chiefs sniffed: “We won’t be showing the Euros. “Our screens will be showing the tennis.”England fans are being urged to say the prayer of St Jude for good luckGareth’s lucky 100GARETH Southgate is likely to lead England to victory over Switzerland today, believes The Sun’s Euro 2024 psychic.Chloe Smith, 27, explained: “With Southgate celebrating his 100th game, his luck should spiral through on his angel number, which is also 100.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Chloe, of Uttoxeter, Staffs — who does team good luck readings before games — added: “It’s going to be a close one. “England will need to rely on talent — or luck — or both.” More