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      Man Utd hero Rashford to be honoured with special award at Sports Personality of the Year for work fighting poverty

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      MARCUS RASHFORD is to be honoured with a Special Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
      But the Manchester United and England striker, 23, will not be included in the shortlist for the main prize.

      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Marcus Rashford will receive a Special Award for his impact outside of footballCredit: PA:Press Association
      The Special Award has been made on behalf of the judging panel in recognition of Rashford’s exceptional impact outside of sport, in which he successfully campaigned for free school meals for kids during school holidays.
      Director of BBC Sport Barbara Slater said: “Marcus’ endeavour to give a voice to those who find themselves in a situation that he too is familiar with has been greatly admired and the panel wanted to ensure he was recognised for that.
      “In a year that has been challenging for everyone, but particularly vulnerable families, he has gone above and beyond to transcend his sport and make a real difference.

      “This award is a tribute to a remarkable young man.”
      SPOTY rules did not allow Rashford’s crusade to be included in the nominations for the main award because that is based on sporting achievement.
      Rashford will receive his gong at the Salford event on December 20.
      The England striker was named the Pride of Britain earlier this year after the success of his campaign to extend free school meals.

      He has also launched the Marcus Rashford Book Club which is aimed at encouraging youngsters to read – especially those from vulnerable and under privileged backgrounds.
      Rashford is not just excelling off the pitch though with the United striker scoring a penalty in their 4-1 win against Istanbul Basaksehir on Tuesday in the Champions League.
      And the role model can now look forward to getting his hands on the award next month for the work he has accomplished outside of football.

      Boris Johnson has ‘been in touch’ with Marcus Rashford over free school meals, Matt Hancock claims More

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      Liverpool exploit loophole in Premier League coronavirus rules as Mo Salah returns just FIVE days after a positive test

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      LIVERPOOL will benefit from a loophole in the Premier League’s Covid-19 rules which saw Mo Salah return just FIVE days after a positive test. Salah is in line to play in tonight’s Champions League clash against Atalanta after being able to start training again on Monday. That is despite Prem rules stating stars cannot train […] More

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      Premier League fans CAN sing on return to stadiums but coronavirus ‘code of conduct’ will rule out hugging

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      RETURNING fans will be able to sing in stadiums… but not hug. The Government plans to enforce a ‘code of conduct’ for spectators as a condition of the grounds being opened for the first time in nine months. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden confirmed clubs will be allowed up to 4,000 fans from next Wednesday — […] More

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      Premier League fans CAN sing on return to grounds but coronavirus ‘code of conduct’ to rule out hugging

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      RETURNING fans will be able to sing but not hug.
      The Government plans to enforce a ‘code of conduct’ for spectators as a condition of the grounds being opened for the first time in nine months.

      Football fans will be allowed to cheer their teams but no hugsCredit: AFP – Getty

      Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden confirmed clubs will be allowed up to 4,000 fans from next Wednesday — depending on the tier level of Covid-19 in the area
      The EFL plans to reschedule next week’s midweek games and ensure all clubs that can welcome fans from Wednesday are able to cash in.
      There were fears fans would be banned from singing and have to wear masks in their seats.
      But SunSport understands masks will only have to be worn entering or leaving the stadium and on concourses.

      Social-distancing measures will be enforced, with no physical contact with other fans who are outside their social bubble.
      Clubs will be told to ensure steward police the regulations with fans risking being kicked out if they ignore the rules.
      Spectators are expected to promise they will not attend if they have Covid symptoms or are asked to isolate.
      The final regulations are due to be signed off tomorrow when the Government will outline which areas of the country will be in specific tiers.

      How many fans each Premier League club will be allowed based on October tiers

      Fans will have to respect the rules – or it could cost them going to watch live againCredit: Rex Features

      EFL chairman Rick Parry described the initial return of supporters as “a welcome start” which could be a “lifeline” for clubs in League Two.
      But Parry added: “There is a lot to do quite quickly.
      “We’ve got to make sure the clubs and fans behave responsibly.”
      The restrictions mean Rotherham, in tier three before lockdown, may still not be allowed fans at all.

      Long-term, it’s not viable to operate at those sort of levels. It would see us operating at a matchday loss
      Paul BarberBrighton chief exec

      Millers’ chairman Tony Stewart said: “It is good news for a few — but not for a lot.
      “Some fans will be doing backwards somersaults and if we are allowed fans it will be a nice fight to be one of the 2,000 or so. Match day is an occasion, not just a game.”
      Brighton chief exec Paul Barber believes the move will be “more symbolic than financial” for Premier League clubs.
      He added: “Long-term, it’s not viable to operate at those sort of levels. It would see us operating at a matchday loss.
      “We have prepared for fans returning up to 25 per cent of our capacity, which would be much closer to 7,000 to 8,000.”

      Sport fans to return to live matches from December 2 with Premier League stadiums back open as rules relax More

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      Liverpool exploit loophole in Premier League’s coronavirus rules as Mo Salah returns just FIVE days after positive test

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      LIVERPOOL will benefit from a loophole in the Premier League’s Covid-19 rules which saw Mo Salah return just FIVE days after a positive test.
      Salah is in line to play in tonight’s Champions League clash against Atalanta after being able to start training again on Monday.

      Mo Salah is set to play against Atalanta just seven days after testing positive for coronavirusCredit: Reuters

      That is despite Prem rules stating stars cannot train or play for ten days after a positive test.
      SunSport has learned league bosses have blurred those lines — claiming they actually mean ten days from an INITIAL positive test.
      Salah had two positive tests, the second coming on Wed­nesday last week, after going away with Egypt.
      Yet Government rules clearly say the quarantine period is taken from the point of each test — not from an ‘initial’ one.

      UK law states:  “If you have symptoms, the ten days starts from when they started. If you have not had symptoms, the ten days starts from when you had the test.”
      Liverpool have done nothing wrong and Salah’s return was cleared by the Prem. Uefa allow a player to play after a week’s quarantine period.
      But it does now leave league guidelines open to scrutiny.
      Prem chiefs will deal with each Covid issue on a case by case basis — led by medical advice.

      The league has admitted that there may be examples where one person is dealt with differently to another – even though Appendix 14 of their regulations appear to make the rules clear.

      They state: “Each Club must ensure that: (i) all PDP Persons comply with Government guidance regarding management of COVID-19 symptoms experienced by them or any member of their household, including any ‘test and trace’ guidance or policy implemented by Government
      “(ii) in the event that a PDP Person develops symptoms of COVID-19 at any point: a. they self-isolate for ten days or until symptoms resolve (whichever is the later); and b. members of the PDP Person’s household self-isolate for 14 days.”
      They were happy for Salah to return as he had subsequently provided a negative sample.
      Yet Conor Coady could not play for Wolves on Monday as he was self-isolating, despite never testing positive.

      Klopp says Mo Salah is available to face Atalanta in Champions League after Liverpool star tests negative for coronavirus More

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      England footballer James Tarkowski surprises leukaemia sufferer, ten, and pal with PlayStation 5 consoles

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      ENGLAND footie star James Tarkowski has delighted a ten-year-old leukaemia sufferer and his pal by handing them the latest PlayStation 5 consoles worth £450 each.
      The Burnley defender, 28, delivered the gifts to Hughie Higginson and Freddie Xavi, nine.

      Burnley defender James Tarkowski delighted a ten-year-old leukaemia sufferer and his pal with new PS5 consolesCredit: Getty – Pool

      Freddie is running 62 miles in 50 days to raise cash for the ­hospital where his pal is being treated.
      Freddie, of Whalley, Lancs, said: “I was shocked.
      “I thought he was just coming to say ‘Hi’ and then he went to his car and returned with a PS5 for both of us.
      “It is doesn’t seem real. He wished me good luck, to keep going and said what I was doing was really good.”

      ‘UNREAL’
      Tarkowski wrote on the PS5 box: “To Freddie, What an amazing friend you are!”
      And to Hughie, he put: “Keep strong mate, you’ve got this!!!”
      Burnley fan Hughie faces three years of treatment at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
      Mum Sarah Ronnan, 32, said: “It was unreal of James Tarkowski. It was such a nice thing to do.

      The England star delivered the gifts to Hughie Higginson and Freddie XaviCredit: Getty – Contributor

      “He also gave them some money to buy extra games, which was so nice of him.
      “He called round on his way to training.
      “We met him outside at a social distance and it was incredible for both boys.”

      The latest PlayStation 5 consoles are worth £450 eachCredit: PA:Press Association

      Excited Brit gamers show off their new PS5 gizmos as Playstation 5 goes on sale
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      Man City told to FORGET about Lionel Messi transfer with Barcelona presidential favourite hopeful over new deal

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      BARCELONA presidential favourite Victor Font has told Manchester City to  forget about signing Lionel Messi in the new year.
      SunSport revealed last week that Pep Guardiola is keen to try again for the Argentine superstar in January.

      Man City have been warned off Lionel Messi by the Barcelona presidential favouriteCredit: AFP or licensors

      Messi, 33, will be out of contract in the summer and a cut-price deal could tempt the cash-stricken Catalan giants.
      But Font says he has already made it clear to City chief executive Ferran Soriano that if he is nominated, Barca will not consider selling him.
      Font revealed: “I already told Soriano to forget about Messi, to look for alternatives to win the Champions League.
      “Messi will continue with us and we will win the Champions League.”

      Font had  previously said he would try to bring Guardiola back to Barca if he is voted in to succeed Josep Bartomeu.
      But the City boss last week signed a contract extension at the Etihad  until 2023.
      Instead, Font will make a new deal for Messi his No 1 priority if he takes power.
      He added: “Getting into a situation where the best player in history wants to leave — and not for a lack of love for the club — generates frustration.

      “It is one of the reasons why it is urgent for a new project.”
      Messi has scored an incredible 640 goals in just 742 appearances for Barca, winning an astonishing ten LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues.
      Messi also has 71 goals in 142 games for Argentina but is yet to win anything with his national team.

      Pep Guardiola admits Lionel Messi’s future is up in the air as Man City plan transfer bid for unsettled Barcelona star More

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      VAR changes MUST be made as referees’ mistakes are turning Premier League into a complete farce, warns Mark Halsey

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      OFFICIALS and VAR are turning the English game into a complete farce.
      We all make mistakes — but not on the level we are now seeing from Premier League officials.

      Aston Villa were denied what looked a definite penalty against Brighton by VAR

      Former Prem ref Mark Halsey writes exclusively for Sun SportCredit: PA:Press Association

      However, I have sympathy for the men in the middle, because the management from the PGMOL is creating confusion and failing the game through a clear lack of leadership and direction — leading to officiating which is nowhere near the quality it should be at this level.
      The training and coaching that officials receive is also severely sub-standard.
      Referees need help and they would get it if the PGMOL was to use the elite-level experience of retired referees. Changes urgently need to be made, including listening to the communication between referees and VAR officials.
      I feel the people at Stockley Park are leading the conversations and causing games to effectively being re-refereed.

      All they need to be told is when they have made a ‘clear and obvious error’ — which is precisely what VAR was introduced to eradicate — like Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe’s off-the-ball headbutt on Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski.
      The way the system is implemented is creating too much doubt in referees’ minds and we are seeing muddled decision-making.
      Aston Villa boss Dean Smith saw his team denied a penalty after a decision was overturned in injury time of their 2-1 defeat to Brighton.
      Smith had every right to be furious and even opposition manager Graham Potter admitted he is clueless about what now counts as a spot-kick.

      West Brom were denied another clear penalty as referee David Coote changed his mind after viewing the VAR monitorCredit: AFP or Licensors

      How the PL’s best transfer XI for this summer line up

      Michael Oliver indicated Solly March ‘won’ the ball before catching Villa winger Trezeguet.
      But in my opinion that IS a foul because Brighton’s March only brushed the ball after Trezeguet played on to him.
      Trezeguet would clearly have taken the next touch, although he does himself no favours with the theatrical way he goes down.
      Was it a ‘clear and obvious error’ from Oliver? Absolutely not.
      I believe Oliver should have stuck with his original decision after being recommended a review and not been put under pressure by Stockley Park.
      A similar incident at Old Trafford left West Brom boss Slaven Bilic furious when referee David Coote changed his mind to award a penalty after Bruno Fernandes fouled Conor Gallagher.
      Like March, Fernandes touched the ball before fouling his opponent. Was it a ‘clear and obvious error?’ Absolutely not.
      Both incidents should not have been recommended for a pitchside review — and whatever was said between officials should be broadcasted to create the transparency which fans, players and coaches want.
      Even if we were to accept VAR is being overused to re-referee games and not just for ‘clear and obvious errors’, then just let the referees view the screens — like in rugby union — with minimal interference.
      Working in Stockley Park the day before a game, as officials often do, is no way to prepare to referee a Premier League match.

      Active officials should stay active, with former referees working at Stockley Park — as I understand they do in the MLS.
      Another problem is referees and governing bodies like Uefa, Fifa and lawmakers Ifab are confused about what are ‘unnatural’ and ‘natural’ positions for arms with regard to the interpretation of the handball law.
      It is leading to lots of incorrect decisions and farcical penalties, like the one Rennes conceded in their Champions League defeat at Chelsea.
      Players are throwing their hands from natural positions into unnatural ones — like behind their back — and it is wreaking havoc.
      We need to stop this farce which is driving fans away at a time when the game needs them most.

      Barcelona boss Koeman blasts VAR after loss to Real Madrid More