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      Football fans fume as 46-goal Robert Lewandowski fails to make finalists of Uefa Men’s Player of the Year shortlist

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      FOOTBALL fans were left scratching their heads at the Uefa Men’s Player of the Year shortlist that was revealed last night.Bayern Munich goal-machine Robert Lewandowski was somehow omitted from the final three for the prestigious award.
      Robert Lewandowski was overlooked on the final shortlist for Uefa Men’s Player of the YearCredit: Getty
      He scored 46 goals last season and has hit the ground running with three in two this campaignCredit: AP
      And that was despite banging in 46 goals for Bayern Munich last season – plus two more in the Club World Cup as well.
      Lewandowski, 32, has also scored three in two games to hit the ground running this season.
      He won The Best Fifa Men’s Player prize in 2020 by edging out Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
      But he will not be claiming this Uefa gong when the winner is announced during the Champions League group stage draw on August 26.
      And his future at Bayern Munich is also up in the air after reports said he wants to leave the club and has a £100m transfer fee slapped on him.
      The Uefa winner will be either Man City’s Kevin De Bruyne, or one of Chelsea’s midfield pair Jorginho or N’Golo Kante.
      Messi was fourth on the list ahead of Lewandowski in fifth place.
      Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma came in sixth with Kylian Mbappe seventh and Raheem Sterling eighth.
      Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland rounded off the top 10.
      The shortlist was voted for by managers of teams in last season’s Champions League, Europa League and the Euros, as well as 55 selected journalists.
      And Lewandowski’s omission from the top three was slammed on social media.
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      One tweet read: “Robert Lewandowski scored 41 goals in 29 Bundesliga matches for Bayern Munich, broke a 50-year record set by Gerd Muller even after a month injured, had an amazing Euro 2020 with an awful Poland team, yet loses out on the top 3 for UEFA Men’s Player of the Year.”
      Another said: “It’s still okay if Kante and Jorginho are in the UEFA Men’s player of the year top three but what’s De Bruyne doing on that list?? Ahead of Messi and Lewandowski?.”
      And another user posted: “Lewandowski isn’t in Top 3 UEFA nominations.. This guy definitely needs a PR team.”
      One more said: “Lewandowski really broke the record for most Bundesliga goals {41} just for ending fifth in UEFA award.”
      Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski delighted with FIFA award after outstanding year More

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      Uefa charge FA over pitch invasion, objects thrown and fans booing Italian national anthem in England’s Euro 2020 final

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      UEFA have charged the FA over FOUR separate incidents which took place during Sunday’s Euro 2020 final at Wembley.European football’s governing body has come down hard on the FA after a number of incidents before and during the clash between England and Italy.
      The FA have been charged over four incidents at the Euro 2020 final, including the pitch invaderCredit: Reuters
      One of the other charges appears to involve the stadium break-in ahead of the matchCredit: PA
      Disciplinary proceedings have been opened over a pitch invasion, throwing of objects by fans, booing the Italian national anthem and the stadium break-in.
      A Uefa statement read: “Disciplinary proceedings have been opened following the Uefa Euro 2020 final match between the national teams of Italy and England, played on 11 July at Wembley Stadium, London.
      “Charges against The England Football Association:

      Invasion of the field of play by its supporters – Article 16(2)(a) of the Uefa Disciplinary Regulations (DR)

      Throwing of objects by its supporters – Article 16(2)(b) DR

      Disturbance caused by its supporters during the national anthem – Article 16 (2)(g) DR

      “The case will be dealt with by the Uefa Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDR) in due course.
      “Separately, and in accordance with Article 31(4) DR, a Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation into events involving supporters which occurred inside and around the stadium.”
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      One of the charges against the FA involves the booing heard over Italy’s national anthemCredit: Getty

      Ahead of the game at Wembley, eager Three Lions supporters pushed past barricades as cops desperately tried to stop the wave of supporters.
      Some stadium staff claimed ‘hundreds’ of supporters were involved in knocking down or climbing over perimeter fencing at about 5.30pm.
      SunSport witnessed dozens of fans, including children, sprinting across the concourse at the lowest level of the stadium at the top of Wembley Way.
      Police officers were called in to help find and eject the invaders.
      During the game itself, a section of England fans loudly booed the Italian national anthem despite pre-match cries to be respectful.
      Objects were also thrown by some home supporters, while a pitch invader – Little Mix singer Adam Harison – stormed onto the field of play late in the game and gave stewards a long chase.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Pitch invader chased by security before being bundled off the field during Euro 2020 final More

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      England and Italy fans arguing before Euro 2020 final as Uefa asks them to vote on who was better out of Rooney & Totti

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      ENGLAND and Italy fans have taken to social media to debate who was better out of Wayne Rooney and Francesco Totti.Rooney is the Three Lions’ all-time top scorer with 53 goals and received the most England caps for an outfield player with 120.
      Rooney is England’s all-time top goalscorerCredit: PA:Press Association
      Totti lifted the World Cup with Italy in 2006Credit: Action Images
      Uefa caused a real debate on Twitter after posting the poll
      At club level he won the Champions League trophy with Manchester United as well as five Premier League titles.
      However, his failure to win anything with his country is not something that can be levelled at Totti.
      Although the Roma legend only won one Serie A title with his boyhood club, he did lift the World Cup with Italy as a part of their superb 2006 squad.
      And England and Italy fans – who will be on opposing sides on Sunday when their two nations meet in the Euro 2020 final – came out in force to argue the cases for both men after Uefa tweeted asking who was the superior player.
      One backer of Rooney said: “Totti was a fabulous player, capable of the truly incredible… but Rooney at his best was a monster.
      “Totti managed by Sir Alex Ferguson might have been something else, but I would go for Rooney.”
      Another added: “It’s not even close! 5 league titles, four FA cups, and the UCL?!?! Vs someone with one one league title and got subbed off after 60’ in the WC final which his team barely beat 10 man France???”
      And a third said: “Rooney has 3 40+ G/A seasons, Totti has 1, Rooney is so clear in every single way. If we use team achievements he is so extraordinarily clear too.

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      Totti was a fabulous player, capable of the truly incredible… but Rooney at his best was a monster…Totti managed by Sir Alex Ferguson might have been something else, but I would go for Rooney.— Cle Etc. (@ClementsEtc) July 10, 2021

      LOL at 35 years old Francesco Totti had 12 goals and 12 assists for top flight AS Roma.at 35 years old Wayne Rooney is sitting at home after 2 seasons at tier 2 Derby County and 2 seasons at MLS. https://t.co/SWnAbtSWuq— art morelli 🇮🇹🍝 (@ArtMorelli) July 9, 2021

      It’s not even close! 5 league titles, four FA cups, and the UCL?!?! Vs someone with one one league title and got subbed off after 60’ in the WC final which his team barely beat 10 man France??? 😂 😭 pic.twitter.com/Irrw3MHbdt— Waynes World (@FcWazza) July 10, 2021

      Anybody who says Rooney needs their head testing!— Thomas Baldwin (@tbaldwin1992) July 9, 2021

      Rooney vs Totti:Rooney has 3 40+ G/A seasons, Totti has 1, Rooney is so clear in every single way. If we use team achievements he is so extraordinarily clear too. Totti has 1 league title, Rooney has 5. Totti isn’t even Italy’s all time scorer— Haris (@UtdHaris) July 9, 2021

      “Totti has 1 league title, Rooney has 5. Totti isn’t even Italy’s all time scorer.”
      But others thought Totti was the more impressive player across his legendary career.
      One said: “Anybody who says Rooney needs their head testing!”
      And another added: “At 35 years old Francesco Totti had 12 goals and 12 assists for top flight AS Roma.
      “At 35 years old Wayne Rooney is sitting at home after 2 seasons at tier 2 Derby County and 2 seasons at MLS.”
      England and Italy will clash at Wembley Stadium on Sunday night to decide who lifts the Euro 2020 trophy.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog

      England heroes train for last time ahead of Euro 2020 final with Italy but Phil Foden sits out due to ‘minor knock’ More

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      Champions League and Europa League away goals rule SCRAPPED by Uefa in radical law change ahead of new season

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      UEFA have confirmed a major change for next season’s Champions League and Europa League – by scrapping the away goals rule.The law previously gave a significant advantage to sides who hit the back of the net on the road, but drew criticism from many fans.
      ⚽ The away goals rule will be removed from all UEFA club competitions from the 2021/22 season.Ties in which the two teams score the same number of goals over the two legs will now have two 15-minute periods of extra time, and, if required, penalty kicks.#UCL #UWCL #UEL #UYL— UEFA (@UEFA) June 24, 2021

      On Thursday, Uefa announced the rule had been ditched after long negotiations over its role in the modern game.
      SunSport revealed in April that plans were initially afoot to only count away goals scored inside 90 minutes, not extra-time.
      But European football’s governing body will now go ahead with plans to completely scrap the rule.
      It means all knockout ties level after two legs will go to extra-time and then, if necessary, penalties.

      Uefa data outlined how the disadvantage of playing away from home has decreased in recent decades.
      Matches were won by the home team at a rate of 61 per cent in the mid-1970s, a figure which has dropped to 47 per cent nowadays.

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      Andrea Iniesta’s away goal took Barcelona to the 2009 Champions League finalCredit: PA:Press Association
      Lucas Moura’s comeback hat-trick took Tottenham to the final on away goals in 2019Credit: Getty – Contributor
      And away wins have almost doubled in regularity – from 19 per cent to 30 per cent.
      Modern times have seen advances in player fitness, recovery and travel welfare to lessen the impact of trips across the continent.
      Fans have also voiced concerns over the impact the rule had on entertainment value, something Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin was keen to stress at Thursday’s announcement.
      He said: “The impact of the rule now runs counter to its original purpose.
      “In fact, it now dissuades home teams – especially in first legs – from attacking, because they fear conceding a goal that would give their opponents a crucial advantage.
      “It is fair to say that home advantage is nowadays no longer as significant as it once was.
      “Taking into consideration the consistency across Europe in terms of styles of play, and many different factors which have led to a decline in home advantage, the UEFA Executive Committee has taken the correct decision in adopting the view that it is no longer appropriate for an away goal to carry more weight than one scored at home.”
      The away goals rule has contributed to a number of huge results over the years, although it is difficult to say that games would have played out exactly the same had it not been present at the time.

      Andres Iniesta hit a late equaliser against Chelsea to take Barcelona to the 2009 final in a match better remembered for refereeing controversy.
      Ten years later and it was Tottenham sneaking through after Lucas Moura’s hat-trick in Amsterdam overturned Ajax’s semi-final lead.
      Spurs had also relied on away goals to edge Manchester City in the previous round, going through 4-4 on aggregate thanks to a Fernando Llorente strike in a mad 4-3 defeat at the Etihad.
      Roma bounced back from a 4-1 first-leg quarter-final defeat to Barcelona in 2018, progressing thanks to Kostas Manolas’ late header that sealed a 3-0 Stadio Olimpico triumph.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Pitch invader crashes Germany vs Hungary carrying pride flag after controversial Uefa rainbow stadium ban More

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      Uefa accused of ‘staggering failure’ over response to German request to light stadium in rainbow colours

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      UEFA have been accused of “staggering failure” after insisting they DO support the LGBTIQ+ rainbow despite banning it from being used tonight.Euro bosses refused to give permission for the rainbow colours to light up Bayern Munich’s home ahead of Germany’s final group game with Hungary.
      UEFA have been slammed over their stance to requests to illuminate the Allianz Arena in rainbow coloursCredit: AP
      Football’s governing body have been accused of hypocrisy for claiming the LGBTIQ+ symbol was politicalCredit: Twitter @UEFA
      Fans hold up a rainbow flag in Munich ahead of Germany’s match with Hungary
      Munich mayor Dieter Reiter had approved the gesture as a rebuke to the vote in the Hungarian parliament which banned content promoting homosexuality and/or gender change to Under-18s.
      UEFA said that was a “political” gesture and therefore banned, despite having previously agreed Germany skipper Manuel Neuer COULD wear a rainbow armband because it was “not political”.

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      The European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation were part of the LGBTIQ+ groups that have since written to president Aleksander Ceferin.
      In the letter, it was hoped UEFA would “accept their misstep and reverse their decision” and “to clarify their actions in response to the homophobic behaviours we’ve seen in some matches.”
      But this afternoon’s widely-derided response has been rightly slammed by Hugh Torrance, Co-President of the EGLSF.
      To claim to have respect for the rainbow colours without addressing any of the issues which gave rise to the letter to them in the first place is a staggering failure
      He told SunSport: “UEFA’s response has not lived up to any of the outcomes we sought, and it has failed in any meaningful way to address the fundamental issues that we have raised with them.
      “To claim to have respect for the rainbow colours without addressing any of the issues which gave rise to the letter to them in the first place, without naming homophobia, and without being able to mention LGBTIQ+ people directly, is a staggering failure.
      “If you are going to say that you support LGBTIQ+ people, you need to be able to oppose anti-LGBTIQ+ laws and you need to not prevent actions which oppose oppressive behaviours and actions against us.
      “We strongly urge UEFA to recognise their power and reconsider their position on this, and to work in partnership with the communities they purport to support.”
      Uefa recently revealed Germany and Manuel Neuer will face no punishment for wearing a rainbow armband in support of Pride Month in games against France and Portugal
      SunSport previously reported that German clubs are lighting their stadiums up in rainbow colours in response to UEFA’s handling of tonight’s game.
      And Torrance added: “The ’46:1 in favour of the rainbow’ response from football clubs in Germany is a show of leadership that is uplifting and powerful and is unequivocal in its support.
      “To see the level of support from players, officials and fans across the football world and beyond is inspiring and is the most heartening thing about this whole incident.
      It’s notable how out of step UEFA as the Governing Body are with public support and opinion on this
      “Since sending our letter yesterday evening, we have been inundated with further support from many other groups operating in UEFA member states, and from many in Hungary in particular.
      “It’s notable how out of step UEFA as the Governing Body are with public support and opinion on this.”

      Wembley is the host of this year’s final but Torrance claimed that UEFA would prove their failings if they approved rainbow colours for that game after blocking German requests.
      He told SunSport: “We would of course welcome Wembley being lit up with rainbow colours, and other clear visibility and unequivocal support that they can bring to this issue.
      “But UEFA support for lighting up Wembley whilst doubling down on their opposition to lighting up the Allianz Arena, would further highlight their inability to stand up strongly when it counts.”

      Defiant German club Hertha Berlin lights up stadium with rainbow colours More

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      Uefa ban Germany request to turn stadium rainbow coloured at Euro 2020 because of ‘political context’ after Neuer probe

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      UEFA have denied Germany’s request to illuminate the Allianz Arena in all the colours of the rainbow due to ‘political’ reasons.Munich mayor Dieter Reiter had asked Europe’s governing body if they could light up Bayern’s stadium in protest to a new law passed in Hungary.
      Uefa have denied Germany’s request to illuminate the Allianz Arena in rainbow colours in protest of a controversial new law passed in Hungary due to ‘political’ reasonsCredit: Getty
      Uefa recently revealed Germany and Manuel Neuer will face no punishment after the captain wore a rainbow armband in support of Pride Month in games against France and PortugalCredit: Getty
      The newly-introduced law prohibits the sharing of content believed to promote homosexuality and/or gender change to Under-18s.
      The rainbow is a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride, with German officials hoping to make a stand with the eyes of the world focused on Euro 2020.
      But Uefa say they must ‘decline’ due to being a ‘neutral organisation’ and suggested other date for the Allianz Arena to host its colourful protest.
      A statement read: “Racism, homophobia, sexism, and all forms of discrimination are a stain on our societies – and represent one of the biggest problems faced by the game today.
      “Discriminatory behaviour has marred both matches themselves and, outside the stadiums, the online discourse around the sport we love.
      “However Uefa, through its statutes, is a politically and religiously neutral organisation.
      “Given the political context of this specific request – a message aiming at a decision taken by the Hungarian national parliament – Uefa must decline this request.”
      The statement continued: “Uefa understands the intention is to send a message to promote diversity and inclusion.

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      “[That’s] a cause Uefa has been supporting for many years – having joined forces with European clubs, national teams and their players, launching campaigns and plenty of activities all over Europe to promote the ethos that football should be open to everyone.
      “And consequently, Uefa has proposed alternative dates for the illumination which align better with existing events.
      “Uefa has proposed to the city of Munich to illuminate the stadium on either June 28 – the Christopher Street Liberation Day – or between July 3-9, which is the Christopher Street Day week in Munich.”
      During games against Portugal and France, Germany captain Manuel Neuer, 35, has worn a rainbow armband in support of Pride Month.
      Uefa opened an investigation whether it could be viewed as a political statement.
      However, Uefa have now concluded there is no case to answer, given Neuer was ‘promoting a good cause’.
      The German Football Association said it had received a letter from Uefa confirming the matter should be considered closed.
      It had been feared that Germany could have been FINED for their support of Pride Month with Uefa statutes prohibiting ‘political’ signs being made during matches.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Germany captain Manuel Neuer wears rainbow armband in support of Pride Month More

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      No10 on cusp of deal for Wembley to host up to 75,000 fans at Euro 2020 final including VIPs who WON’T quarantine

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      THE FINAL of Euro 2020 is set to remain at Wembley – and up to 75,000 fans will be allowed to attend.The government are on the cusp of agreeing a deal with Uefa to allow 2,500 foreign media and a ‘small number’ of VIPs to attend the showpiece event without having to quarantine.
      PM Boris Johnson is negotiating a deal with Uefa to keep the final of Euro 2020 at WembleyCredit: Getty
      Up to 75,000 fans are expected to attend the match in LondonCredit: Getty
      Boris Johnson is understood to be under pressure to allow more spectators to attend, with Uefa threatening to move the final elsewhere.
      The Puskas Arena in Budapest is at full capacity for the tournament – around 67,000 – and would be willing to the stage the final if necessary.
      Wembley is currently welcoming just 22,500 fans for the group stage of Euro 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions.
      But capacity for the final is now expected to be between 60,000 and 75,000.
      The PM is also set to allow VIPs into the country WITHOUT having to quarantine – but they must leave within 24 hours of arrival.
      Uefa’s special guests are also expected to be in a ‘bubble’ during their time in London and won’t mix with UK-based supporters.
      Confirmation of the stadium’s capacity for the final is expected to be announced as early as Tuesday, June 22 – the same day as England face Czech Republic.

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      Johnson’s official spokesman said: “We continue to look forward to hosting the semi finals and final here in the UK at Wembley.
      “We will continue to work closely with Uefa.”
      But the PM’s sister Rachel Johnson slammed the rule bending as ‘the final nail in the coffin of the Covid restrictions’.
      She said: “Above all, I think if this event does go ahead on British soil, the 2,500 VIPs and hangers-on… will literally put the final nail in the coffin of the Covid restrictions.
      “The government will have to open up probably before the terminus date of July 19 because I think the Covid restrictions will be collapsing under the weight of their own contradictions and the country will not put up with it.”

      Speaking in the Lords, Culture minister Lady Barran said: “We are not exempting any VIPs or accredited guests from our restrictions.
      “If it’s agreed they should enter the UK, they would only be able to leave isolation for official events and would be subject to a very strict code of conduct.”
      She added: “We already permit certain officials and accredited guests to enter the UK for these matches under the elite sport exemption.
      “We will continue to keep the scope of these exemptions under review and are working closely with the FA and Uefa to ensure these Euro 2020 matches take place successfully.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Rival Scotland and England fans chant at each other on Wembley Way as cops separate groups More

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      Hungary facing Uefa probe over allegations of vile racist and homophobic chanting by fans during Euro 2020

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      UEFA is probing alleged racism and homophobia by Hungarian fans during Euro 2020 games in Budapest.French black players were subjected to monkey chants during Saturday’s 1-1 draw.
      Hungary fans marched against taking the knee against racism – Uefa has opened an investigation into alleged racist and homophobic chantingCredit: EPA
      Right-wing and self-proclaimed Nazi groups are among Hungary’s most fervent supportersCredit: Reuters
      That followed claims of homophobic chants through last week’s defeat by Portugal.
      Budapest’s Puskas Arena is the only stadium at the tournament operating at full capacity, with crowds of 60,000.
      But right-wing and self-proclaimed Nazi groups are among Hungary’s most fervent supporters.
      One large group held a march protesting against anti-rascism gestures last week.
      And before the France game, thousands of Hungary fans set off flares and unveiled an anti-kneeling banner in the streets of Budapest.
      A number of reports in French media highlighted the racism directed at Paul Pogba, N’golo Kante, Kylian Mbappe and other black players.
      That forced Uefa into action.
      A Uefa statement announced: “In accordance with Article 31(4) of the Uefa Disciplinary Regulations, an Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding potential discriminatory incidents which occurred in the Puskas Arena, Budapest, during the 2020 European Championship group stage matches between the national teams of Hungary and Portugal on 15 June 2021 and between the national teams of Hungary and France played on 19 June 2021.

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      Demonstrations took place in and around Budapest on SaturdayCredit: EPA
      There were claims of homophobic chants through last week’s defeat by PortugalCredit: Reuters
      Hungary’s players were heroes for their 1-1 draw against France – but some of their fans were far from thatCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”
      The issue is a significant cloud over the tournament and makes it even more unlikely that Uefa will take the semi-finals and Final away from Wembley and move the games to Budapest.
      Uefa and the UK Government are in discussions over demands for 2,500 sponsors, VIPs and media to avoid mandatory 10-day quarantine periods.
      It is expected that a compromise will be found with Uefa reluctant to switch the final three games at such a late stage.
      But Uefa wishes for foreign fans to be accommodated by observing 24-hour travel “bubbles” seem less likely to be met at this stage.
      Although Euro chiefs would prefer overseas fans to be allowed into the UK, it is not believed an inability to reach agreement will be a deal-breaker.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Hungary fans hold anti-kneeling banner and set off flares as thousands march in Budapest before Euro 2020 France clash More