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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
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
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
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
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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
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
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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
SEAN DYCHE wants Burnley to turn Turf Moor back into a ‘happy place’ — after five months without a win.
The Clarets’ home hit the headlines last week, thanks to I’m a Celebrity… star Jordan North.
Sean Dyche aims to make Turf Moor his ‘happy place’ by helping his team improve their formCredit: Getty – Pool
Traditionally, the stadium has been a fortress for Dyche’s men, with visiting teams usually thinking ‘Get me out of here!’.
But the Lancashire lads have struggled without fans — with their last victory on their own patch a 1-0 win over Watford on June 25.
That will need to change if they are to hang on to their Premier League status and tonight’s clash with Crystal Palace would be a good place to start.
Burnley have not won a game in five months and are facing a relegation battleCredit: Reuters
Boss Dyche, 49, said: “Whether there are fans in or not, we have to win games.
“Historically, home form is helpful at any level, not just in the Premier League.
“Most teams have a more productive record at home. Fans probably help but it’s not relevant — I concentrate on the performances.
“We have to build a tempo and put in performances. We can’t just wait for it to happen.
“Certainly by the halfway point, we’ll know what effect the lack of fans is having.
“Hopefully, if the vaccine can be rolled out, in the New Year maybe we’ll get some back in.”
Dyche has met Radio 1 DJ North — who would normally travel from London for every home game — a few times but has not seen much of the reality TV show recently.
North used the phrase “Happy place Turf Moor” to get him through a terrifying Bushtucker trial in a vault full of snakes.
Jordan North has gone to his ‘happy place’ Turf Moor when facing I’m A Celeb’s Bushtucker trialsCredit: Rex Features
I’m a Celeb star and Burnley fan Jordan North sings songs about Turf Moor to help him during Bushtucker trialsCredit: Instagram
Dyche added: “I’ve watched it in my time, with the kids.
“People were sending me messages on the night and it was all good fun. He seems like a really top lad.
“If this is his special place, then fair play to him. I’ve a couple of my own — which are not Turf Moor.”
I’m A Celebrity’s Jordan North screams about Turf Moor being his ‘happy place’ to get through horror trial More
CONOR BENN will swap dirty nappies and rusks for trash talk and a ruck if Josh Kelly accepts the father-to-be’s challenge for a summer war.
The 24-year-old, son of British ring legend Nigel, aced the biggest test of his exciting career on Saturday night, pinging respected Sebastian Formella all over Wembley for a unanimous points win.
Conor Benn has an impressive record of 17-0 including 11 knockoutsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
After the 17th consecutive win of his welterweight career, The Destroyer, who will become a dad for the first time at the start of 2021, lasered his focus on Sunderland stylist Kelly after years of needle between the pair.
Benn roared: “I do want Josh Kelly next year.
“The only domestic fight I’m interested in, the only domestic fight that the public keeps talking about, is the Josh Kelly fight.
“And he will regret not taking this fight earlier because my stock is only rising, I am on the up.
“Forget Kelly’s success in three and four round fights in the amateur game, we’re in the pros now and I have dynamite in both hands.”
Just 18 months ago, few people outside of Benn’s family and corner would have given him much of a chance against the 26-year-old former 2016 Olympian.
But Kelly laboured to two underwhelming points wins and a controversial draw in 2019 before Benn, under the guidance of Tony Sims, produced a career-best performance after a year out of action.
Kelly is scheduled to challenge UK-based Russian David Avanesyan at the end of January for his European title.
And promoter Eddie Hearn then hopes to have an all-English barnstormer at a fan-packed arena somewhere.
“That is a monster summer fight for British boxing,” The Matchroom boss said. “If Conor and Josh Kelly want it, we can do it.”
Kelly, 10-0-1, cannot overlook heavy-handed Avanesyan after he won his last two defences with round-one KOs.
Conor Benn has set his sights on facing Josh Kelly next year Credit: Getty Images – Getty
But he confirmed both sides of the mouthwatering 10st 7lbs clash are bang up for the battle.
He said: “There’s one fight on my mind, a more dangerous one than Benn, that’s Avanesyan.
“We offered Benn the fight before, but 2021 there should be a big domestic fight for the European title after I win in January.”
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