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    Germany vs Denmark clash suspended after LIGHTNING strikes at Euro 2024 stadium as players sent to dressing rooms

    GERMANY’S Euro 2024 clash against Denmark was halted due to lightening and a heavy downpour.A huge thunderstorm hit Dortmund after an extreme weather warning was issued yesterday.Lightning flashed above the stadium in DortmundCredit: itvTorrential rain poured downCredit: RexGermany and Denmark players rushed off the pitchCredit: AFPAnd they went to the dressing rooms for 20 minutes as they waited for the conditions to easeCredit: itvSome fans loved the rainCredit: ReutersEnglish referee Michael Oliver kept play going for five minutes before suspending the last-16 match with 36 minutes on the clock.German and Danish players appealed it was not safe to continue as hailstones then bounced off the pitch. The drenched English official eventually blew his whistle and signalled that the game was suspended.Oliver ushered the teams off the field and the stars briefly took shelter in the dugout.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey were then told to go to their dressing rooms and wait for the rain to ease.The stadium announcer then read out a message to supporters, saying: “Due to adverse weather conditions the match has been suspended. Further information will follow shortly.”And the rain continued to pour down for another 15 minutes as fans took cover in the concourses.However, some braved the adverse conditions and were spotted singing in the rain with their tops off.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSMeanwhile, in a desperate attempt to not have the game called off, stadium staff tried to sweep rain off the side of the sidelines.Fortunately, the weather eased and the match continued after a 24 minute delay in total.How hosts Germany look to return to their best for Euro 2024Players then reappeared to complete the first-half, with Uefa protocol allowed them five minutes to warm-up.The game was restarted with a drop ball to Germany.VAR controversy also overshadowed the match, which the hosts eventually won 2-0 via goals from Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala.Yesterday, German meteorologist Dominik Jung warned: “From Saturday evening and into the night on Sunday, there is a risk of severe thunderstorms from the south west and west to the middle of Germany.”These could bring extremely heavy rain, with amounts of between 40 and 80 litres per square meter within a few hours.”Large hail with a diameter of around 3 cm is also expected, as are strong storm or hurricane gusts with speeds of between 100 and 140 km/h.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Tornadoes cannot be ruled out either.”It is the second time a huge downpour has hit Dortmund at Euro 2024 after heavy rain fell prior to the Turkey vs Georgia group stage clash.Water was flowing off the roof above the Danish endCredit: EPAFans were drenched in the standsCredit: PASupporters at the front rushed inside for coverCredit: APStadium staff swept water off the sidelinesCredit: APEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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    I’ve renamed my pub after West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen for the Euros & even added a new sign

    A PUB has renamed itself after West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen for the Euros — replacing all its signage for the duration of the tournament.The Wheatsheaf in Chelmsford, Essex, has become the Jarrod Bow Inn to mark his selection after four-fifths of punters voted for it in a poll.Punter Emma Lock, 37, above with pal, said: ‘It is exactly the kind of stuff you want to see during the Euros’Credit: Peter JordanOwner Paul Kelly, 53, said: ‘I’m a Gooner so I didn’t enjoy sticking up the signs but when it comes to England we’re all in it together’Credit: Peter JordanThe Jarrod Bow Inn – with its new sign for the EurosCredit: Peter JordanOwner Paul Kelly, 53, said: “I’m a Gooner so I didn’t enjoy sticking up the signs but when it comes to England we’re all in it together.”Punter Emma Lock, 37, added: “It is exactly the kind of stuff you want to see during the Euros.”Residents of Bellingham in Northumberland, meanwhile, have adopted starman Jude as their own ahead of tonight’s clash against Denmark. Villager Les Armstrong, 87, said: “He’d be made mayor if he visited here.”READ MORE ON EURO 2024Meanwhile in Germany, the bad weather has forced Uefa into making a late decision regarding England’s upcoming Euro 2024 clash.The Three Lions face Denmark looking to confirm their place in the knockouts with a victory in Frankfurt on Thursday.However, the Group C showdown at the Waldstadion will be played with the stadium roof closed due to stormy conditions in the city.Uefa made the decision today ahead of the clash, which will kick-off at 5pm UK time tomorrow.Most read in Euro 2024The roof of the Waldstadion was closed prior to Denmark’s players training on the pitch tonight.The rain storms have already put a dampener on Euro 2024.England injury blow as Luke Shaw is ruled OUT of Denmark clash with Man Utd star still training alone at Euro 2024 More

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    Uefa forced to make late change to stadium ahead of England vs Denmark clash to prevent ‘risk to life’

    THE BAD WEATHER has forced Uefa into making a late decision regarding England’s upcoming Euro 2024 clash.The Three Lions face Denmark looking to confirm their place in the knockouts with a victory in Frankfurt on Thursday.The roof will be closed in Frankfurt for England’s clash with Denmark at the WaldstadionCredit: GettyHowever, the Group C showdown at the Waldstadion will be played with the stadium roof closed due to stormy conditions in the city.Uefa made the decision today ahead of the clash, which will kick-off at 5pm UK time tomorrow.The roof of the Waldstadion was closed prior to Denmark’s players training on the pitch tonight.The rain storms have already put a dampener on Euro 2024.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Both western and central regions of Germany were issued with weather warnings earlier.That has seen fan zones in Dortmund, Dusseldorf and Gelsenkirchen all being closed due to the harsh conditions.Now, with bad weather already having plagued Euro 2024, Uefa have opted to make an early decision to avoid the game potentially being played in the rain.Cologne was forced to axe a number of fan events on Tuesday due to the weather.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA statement confirmed: “Due to an official storm warning from late morning with expected heavy rain, hail and heavy gusts of wind, all events and functions of the Host City Cologne associated with the European Championships have to be cancelled for today.“The necessary talks with the security partners were already held yesterday evening and the preparatory measures to secure the venues were initiated.England player ratings: Jude Bellingham delivers masterful Euro 2024 performance but Phil Foden not at his sharpest“The decision to cancel all events was made on Tuesday morning after further consultation with the German Weather Service.”Meteorologist Dominik Jung told BILD stated the closures were necessary and that there had even been a potential “risk to life”.Speaking on Tuesday, he said: “There is a risk to life.“We don’t currently know every place that could get hit, but we do know the region where something could happen.“People will complain again: ‘We didn’t have anything.’ But better safe than sorry.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYEngland will be looking to secure their second win of the tournament tomorrow.Gareth Southgate’s side beat Serbia 1-0 on Sunday thanks to a Jude Bellingham header.And they know that a victory would ensure them a place in the knockouts with a game to spare.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Denmark are searching for their first triumph.They were held to a 1-1 draw by Slovenia in their opener and will be desperate to take all three points.Bromances in England squad
    CLIQUES that were commonplace in the England camp in tournaments gone by have been well and truly consigned to history.
    Declan Rice and Ivan Toney? They have never played together at club level and only a handful of times for England, but are thick as thieves.
    Lewis Dunk and Dean Henderson? They play for arch-rivals Brighton and Crystal Palace, but that has not stopped an unlikely alliance from forming.
    Phil Foden and Cole Palmer have relished spending time together again, having done so for years for Manchester City before Palmer was sold to Chelsea for £45million last summer.
    NFL nuts Harry Kane and Anthony Gordon were chucking an American football to each other ahead of a light training session on Monday.
    John Stones and Kieran Trippier gatecrashed Jordan Pickford’s presser to see how their good mate fared, finding it hilarious as he slumped to defeat against talkSPORT.
    Conor Gallagher and Marc Guehi also have a long-standing friendship and have been besties since they were little playing in the Chelsea academy.
    Jude Bellingham and Liverpool man Trent Alexander-Arnold have also become close – evident in the Werewolf celebration they performed against Serbia. More

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    Tornado warning for Euro 2024 as storms forecast with risk of TWISTERS & fanzones closed over ‘danger to life’ threat

    A TORNADO warning has been issued for the 2024 Euros as storms are set to hit Germany and fanzones have been shut down.Germany’s weather service, DWD, predicted severe weather and strong thunderstorms would hit western and central regions today.Weather forecasters have predicted storms (Pictured: lightning strikes in Germany, May 2024)Credit: AlamyA sign in Cologne showing all fan parks are closed due to a storm alertCredit: PAEngland fans shelter from rain in the fanzone in Gelsenkirchen, during the Serbia v England gameCredit: RexHeavy rain, hailstones and hurricane winds could hit the west of Germany (Pictured: storms in Saxony)Credit: RexFans have been warned of possible twisters and a danger to life threat has been raised as the country braces for heavy storms.Meteorologists have not been able to rule out tornadoes while hailstones, hurricane gusts and heavy rain are also expected – especially in West Germany. Weather warnings are in place until 1am tonight. In a blow for football fans there to watch the games – events across the country have been cancelled following the weather warnings.READ MORE ON 2024 EUROSFanzones in Euros host cities Dortmund, Cologne, Dusseldorf and Gelsenkirchen – all in the North Rhine Westphalia state, have been shut.Weather agency DWD said: “Supercells can form… sometimes even hurricanes between 90 and 120 km/h (55mph to 75mph) and larger hail between 3 and 5 cm.”Heavy rain with amounts of around 30 l/sqm is also possible locally within a short period of time. Isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out.”They added that Cologne, playing host to the Scotland v Switzerland game on Wednesday night, could face “severe thunderstorms with (extreme) storm potential” this evening.Most read in Euro 2024Two festival spots – the Friedensplatz fanzone and public viewing spot at Westfalenpark – have also been closed down, BILD reports.For now the fanzone in Leipzig is still open.They host those who haven’t managed to bag tickets to the match but want in on the excitement, and offer activities, live music and viewing opportunities.Tonight Turkey is set to take on Georgia at 6pm in Dortmund and Portugal will play the Czech Republic at 9pm in Leipzig.Weather forecasters warned German outlet BILD of a “risk to life” but said it’s better to be “safe than sorry” when it comes to Euro fanzones.A giant screen displays a message to fans highlighting a storm alert for Cologne, where Scotland will face Switzerland on Wednesday.The Stuttgart Arena could also be hit by stormsCredit: REUTERSMeteorologist Dominik Jung from wetter.net said: “The weather situation in the west is explosive! “There is a risk to life. We don’t currently know every place that could get hit, but we do know the region where something could happen.”People will complain again: ‘We didn’t have anything.’ But better safe than sorry.”He also said thunderstorms could hit the areas of Baden-Wurttemberg and Bavaria on Wednesday.Germany is set to take on Hungary at the Stuttgart stadium in that region on Wednesday at 5pm.Jung said: “It looks good in most regions on Wednesday. Except in the south of Baden-Wurttemberg and Bavaria, where thunderstorms are possible. And that’s where Stuttgart is, where Germany plays.”The DWD website reads: “Heavy thunderstorms in the southwest.”From midday, heavy thunderstorms in the west and central parts, in the evening, also in the east.”The agency also warned that thunderstorms could hit eastern Germany in areas like Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia beginning this afternoon.German stadiums playing host to Euros matches in the country are dotted all around.It includes Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena and Borussia Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park – two of Europe’s biggest grounds.Climate expert Dr Karsten Brandt from Donnerwetter.de also told BILD: “Storm pressure system Wibke is approaching. “On the one hand, there is a strip of continuous thunderstorms from the Netherlands across the Munsterland and Luneburg Heath. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Here, 30-40 /m² will fall in six to eight hours. South of this, in the whole of NRW, Rhineland-Palatinate, in the south of Hesse, and also in Saarland and Saxony-Anhalt, there will be heavy thunderstorms from midday.”The DWD – Germany’s national weather service – has warned of bad weather across the country todayCredit: RexA weather map released by Germany’s meteorology service the DWDCredit: dwd.de More

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    Major sporting event CANCELLED after extreme weather conditions left contestants’ ‘throats burning’

    MOTOGP have cancelled the Indian Grand Prix after extreme weather caused problems at last year’s race.The event at Buddh International Circuit was scheduled to take place in September.The Indian Moto GP race has been cancelled due to concerns over the weatherCredit: GettyBut it has now been postponed until early 2025 due to “operational considerations”.Instead, MotoGP is likely to travel to Kazakhstan for the weekend of September 20-22.The Kazakhstan Grand Prix had been due to take place at Almaty’s Sokol International Racetrack from June 14-16 but unprecedented bad weather and flooding across Central Asia sparked a national emergency.MotoGP have held discussions with Government of Uttar Pradesh and over a return to the Buddh International Circuit when weather conditions will be safer for riders and spectators.READ MORE IN SPORTA statement from race organisers Dorna read: “Following advice from the Government of Uttar Pradesh as the state continues its long-term commitment to MotoGP, the sport will return to Buddh International Circuit in March 2025, when weather conditions are expected to be optimal for spectators and riders alike.”Last year’s race was shortened by a few laps because of the hot conditions.Drivers including champion Francesco Bagnaia complained their “throats were burning”.He said: “The race is at 3.30 p.m., and it is going to be very, very hot and could be a problem with the rear tyre with over-temperature. The most demanding thing will be the heat. Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 “On the back straight, you feel your throat and legs burning. In my case, it was quite demanding, and we must prepare for everything.”Temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius were recorded at the Indian race last year.F1 reporter dragged away live on Sky Sports in middle of grid interview with Max Verstappen before Emilia-Romagna GP More

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    Man City celebrate winning fourth successive Premier League title with open-top bus victory tour despite rain

    PREMIER League champs Manchester City refused to let the weather rain on their parade yesterday ­during an open-top bus victory tour.Pep Guardiola and his squad hit the city to ­celebrate their securing four titles in a row with a 3-1 win over West Ham earlier this month.Manchester City’s Erling Haaland leads the celebrationsCredit: ReutersCity boss Pep Guardiola get in on the actionCredit: ReutersA City fan wears a towel on her head to stay dryCredit: PAPals in ponchos hold a mock trophy as they celebrate in the wetCredit: PAIt was slightly bittersweet following their 2-1 FA Cup Final defeat to arch-rivals Manchester United on Saturday. But the loss proved no dampener for the players, including striker Erling Haaland, who sprayed champagne over the massed ranks of adoring fans.The rain left many in the city soggy but it was ­nothing compared with some areas where more than an inch fell in the afternoon.The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning from midday until 8pm for the North and South West, with flooding, power cuts, and travel delays forecast.Read More on FootballHolidaymakers hoping for a late May coastal getaway faced long hold-ups in Devon when the A38 was closed in both directions due to a fatal smash.The M6 southbound was down to one lane following an accident, while a snarled M23 southbound delayed many heading to Gatwick.Travellers taking ferries to France from the Port of Dover faced two-hour queues due to the weight of ­traffic.The rain did stay away from Wembley, where Oscar-winner Dustin Hoffman, 86, was among those watching Southampton win the Championship play-off.Most read in FootballMore than 20 million ­leisure journeys were made by car over the weekend — the most since pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to the RAC. Travel chaos is expected to continue today as 3.4million hit the roads once more.England ace Phil Foden has been dubbed “Fodenballs” by his matesMany will face more rain, with ­scattered showers predicted for most areas.But sunny spells will return from Wednesday, with 18C highs.Oscar-winner Dustin Hoffman was among those watching Southampton win the Championship play-offDark clouds and rain over Dawlish Warren in DevonCredit: AlamyA festival reveller in plastic mac in LutonCredit: DAVE NELSONUmbrellas keep punters dry on the River Cam in CambridgeCredit: Geoff Robinson Photography More

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    Video shows World Cup football stadium left flooded & ABANDONED after torrential rain swamps Brazil killing at least 100

    DRAMATIC footage shows an iconic World Cup football stadium left completely flooded after torrential rain battered Brazil for days.The “apocalyptic” floods have caused massive destruction in the southern part of the country and have killed at least 100 people. Drone footage shows the Beira-Rio stadium submerged in waterCredit: ReutersThe stadium will not host any matches at least until the end of the monthCredit: AFPThe Gremio stadium in Rio Grande do Sul state was also inundatedCredit: AFPThe Beira-Rio stadium was caught up in Brazil’s worst disasterCredit: EPAAs the heavy rainfall hit the country, Brazil’s Estádio Beira-Rio has closed after being caught up in the state’s Rio Grande do Sul “worst disaster.”Shocking drone footage shows the stadium submerged underwater after the devastating deluge that swamped Brazil last week.The stadium in Porto Alegre, home to Sport Club Internacional, will not host any matches until at least May 27.The 50,000-capacity stadium hosted five matches during the 2014 World Cup.READ MORE ON FLOODSIt’s the latest stadium to close due to severe flooding after the state’s Gremio Arena and Estádio Alfredo Jaconi were also inundated.In the video, hundreds of houses can be seen submerged, with only their roofs visible as locals were using small boards and surfboards to move around. The flood-ravaged country is still reeling from the catastrophe, as emergency services continued to try and rescue survivors.The southern state of Brazil has been battered by torrential rainCredit: APA man being rescued by military firefighters in Canoas, at the Rio Grande do Sul stateCredit: ReutersDrone footage shows a cargo plane at the flooded Salgado Filho International Airport in Porto AlegreCredit: ReutersThe heavy downpours have cost the lives of at least 100 people while another 130 in Rio Grande do Sul are missing.Most read in SportThe floods have affected some 400 municipalities causing a great deal of destruction across the state leaving 230,000 residents displaced.Rescue efforts were halted as forecasters are predicting more rain and strong winds are set to follow towards the end of the week.The floods began last week and destroyed highways and bridges in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.Drone video shows city underwater as Brazil floods kills scores more peopleFootage shows cars being swept away while a bridge completely vanishes in the strong current.On Tuesday, state governor Eduardo Leite had warned the human toll was likely to rise as “the emergency is continuing to develop” in the state capital of Porto Alegre and other cities and towns.The state’s governor Eduardo Leite, speaking at a news conference earlier this week urged residents to seek shelter as the anticipated downpour may cause more severe flooding.”It isn’t the time to return home,” he said.Authorities urged people not to return to affected areas due to possible landslide and health hazards.”Contaminated water can transmit diseases,” civil defense spokeswoman Sabrina Ribas warned on Wednesday.Estádio Beira-Rio was one of the 12 venues used for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, hosting five of the matches in the tournament.Estádio Beira-RioEstádio Beira-Rio, home to Brazil’s Sport Club Internacional, was one of the 12 venues used for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
    It hosted five of the matches in the tournament.

    France – Honduras June 15, 2014
    Australia – Netherlands, June 18, 2014
    South Korea – Algeria, June 22, 2014
    Nigeria – Argentina, June 25, 2014
    Germany – Algeria, June 30, 2014

    Mayor of Eldorado do Sul state Ernani de Freitas said the city will be totally evacuated adding it will take at least a year to recover.Authorities estimate it will cost up to £745 million to clean up the damage.READ MORE SUN STORIESPorto Alegre is home to about 1.4 million people.The state’s Guaiba River, which runs through Porto Alegre, reached historic levels and five dams are at risk of rupturing, with two of them in “imminent” danger.About 230,000 residents lost their homes in the floodsCredit: Reuters400 municipalities across the state were affectedCredit: AFPLocals were seen using boats to move aroundCredit: AFP More

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    Arsenal and Tottenham fans face travel chaos ahead of huge clash with fears heavy rain and strong winds will hit trains

    ARSENAL and Tottenham fans could be hit by travel chaos for the North London derby.The rivals face off at Spurs’ stadium at 2pm this afternoon.Arsenal fans could have trouble getting to the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: GettyHowever, supporters making their way to the ground from south of London could have their journeys disrupted by the heavy rain and strong winds that have battered the area overnight and this morning.Network Rail warned passengers planning to get Southern, Gatwick Express, Thameslink or Great Northern trains may see disruption.That could also cause headaches for Brighton fans heading along the South Coast to Bournemouth, also for a 2pm kick-off.A Network Rail statement said: “Heavy rainfall is affecting the Southern, Gatwick Express and Thameslink networks, especially south of London and towards the South Coast. READ MORE ON ARSENAL”Some strong winds are also expected.“This weather may disrupt journeys until the middle of the day today, 28 April. Please check journey planners before you travel.”However, trains appear to be running on time as things stand.And there is no Met Office weather warning in place, though.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThankfully, the forecast does not look too bad for the actual match at Tottenham, either – with grey skies expected and the possibility of some rain. Spurs head into the North London derby certainly hoping to pour a dampener on Arsenal’s title hopes.How Arteta’s tactical masterstroke turned Havertz into Arsenal’s most important playerThe Gunners know they will need to be virtually faultless in their run-in to the end of the season – and are reliant on Manchester City dropping points.The hosts, meanwhile, have their own ambitions of pipping Aston Villa to a top-four spot. And a first win over Arsenal since May 2022 would certainly help.Mikel Arteta’s men head into the game full of confidence after slapping Chelsea for five in midweek.It promises to be a thrilling clash with all the coverage available from SunSport’s live blog. And our very own columnist and former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has had his say on where he thinks the game could be won or lost.Forget Odegaard and Rice… this Arsenal star could be Player of the Year, says Andy DillonBy Andy Dillon
    MARTIN ODEGAARD and Declan Rice will rightly be in the shake down for the Footballer of the Year award.
    But their Arsenal team-mate Gabriel also deserves recognition should the Gunners go on to win the Premier League title.
    The Brazilian has been a monster at the back alongside William Saliba.
    They are the heart of the meanest defence — conceding just 24 goals in the league this season.
    He has also scored four, the joint-highest for a defender in the top flight along with Spurs’ Cristian Romero.
    If boss Mikel Arteta ends Arsenal’s 20-year wait for the title then Gabriel will have been as important a cog in the machine as anyone at the Emirates.
    Considering he was struggling for game time and appeared a lost soul last summer, it’s some turnaround.
    Click here to ready Andy’s column in full.
    Or to read more from Andy Dillon, click here

    Redknapp said: “The smallest details can make the biggest difference and for Spurs that means how they cope without the injured Destiny Udogie, who might not get the headlines but has been outstanding.”His pace would have been vital against Bukayo Saka, who can destroy you, and Ange Postecoglou’s got a big job on now Udogie’s missing, for sure.”If they don’t double up on Saka he could run riot.”While that’s crucial, so is keeping a cool head, because Spurs will be bang up for this and the tackles are going to be flying in.”There will be a few cards flashed around, believe me.”I really can’t see Spurs getting beaten, so assuming they manage to keep Saka in check, I’d have to put my money on a score draw.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I can see goals, I can see bookings — plenty of them — but I just can’t see a winner.”Which obviously means no one’s going home happy. Apart from City.”Destiny Udogie’s absence will be a big miss up against Bukayo SakaCredit: Getty More