Day: December 17, 2021

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English football fans are about to be told to provide vaccine passports and tests – report

Mooted plans by the UK government to introduce requirements for fans at large events to provide a vaccine passport or proof of their Covid status have received a mixed response.

Boris Johnson’s government is under increasing pressure after a widespread loss of public confidence following its unconvincing response to allegations that senior officials held a Christmas party at the height of lockdown in 2020.

Amid the escalating controversy, the British prime minister made the predictably unpopular move on Wednesday to announce that pandemic measures would be tightened – leading to accusations of hypocrisy from critics.

Now a new report has claimed that new rules could be brought in within 48 hours requiring supporters attending Premier League matches to show contentious vaccine passports or prove they have recently tested negative.

When the concept was initially raised, there were fears that a ‘two-tier’ society would be created between the vaccinated and those who have not had a jab.

Fans who are unable to produce their vaccination certification upon request at matches have been reminded to carry it until now.

They will now reportedly be turned away from games as part of planned spot checks, although the logistics behind carrying those out effectively among vast crowds is questionable.

“Spoke with some stewards at Manchester United yesterday evening,” claimed one reader.

“They say they don’t want to enforce Covid passes even if the Premier League insists due to potential law-breaking under discrimination laws and also for practicality reasons.”

Another sarcastically responded to the report: “Wow. It’s almost like they have decided this thing spreads in crowds.

“If we’d have known that two years ago, we could have acted quickly and saved a lot of lives.”

The new legislation will apply to major events and stadiums holding more than 10,000 people, according to The Times.

Unseated indoor events of more than 500 people and unseated outdoor events of more than 4,000 people will also be affected.

Top-flight clubs are said to have initially suspected the move would require all fans to have taken a vaccine, although Johnson has said that a negative lateral flow test will be adequate.

Johnson has reportedly hinted that more restrictions could be placed on unvaccinated people.

That could affect players being selected for matches, with Premier League sides Manchester United and Brighton reputedly falling behind other teams in terms of vaccinated players.

League bosses said in October that 81 percent of players had received one jab, with more than two-thirds fully vaccinated.

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Net profits: Williams sisters beat Sharapova prize money as Serena eyes $100MN

Maria Sharapova has made the most prize money of any female tennis player in history apart from the Williams sisters – with veteran Serena still within reach of $100 million as part of a fortune dwarfing her sibling’s winnings.

Five-time Grand Slam title winner Sharapova is said to have raked in almost $39 million in tournament earnings during her sensational career, setting the Russian icon up for a career as an investor since her retirement in 2020.

Sharapova’s earnings over 17 years pale in comparison to the sisters, though, with figures showing they have made a colossal total of almost $137 million, according to Tennis365.

Turning professional on Halloween in 1994 as a 14-year-old, Venus spent 19 weeks as world number one and has earned more than $42 million, remaining active on the tour as a 41-year-old.

Her more successful sister Serena, who has won 23 Grand Slam titles, joined the pro ranks at the same age in October 1995, and still needs $5.5 million more to make $100 million, according to the list.

That is more than double Venus’ earnings, and the Williams sisters could be poised to add more to their fortunes on the court.

On Wednesday, however, Serena revealed she will not be swelling her bank balance at the Australian Open in January, which she has had to pull out of.

“Following the advice of my medical team, I have decided to withdraw from this year’s Australian Open,” she said in a statement.

“While this is never an easy decision to make, I am not where I need to be physically to compete.”

The next best earners after the mentioned trio are Simona Halep (almost $38 million) and Caroline Wozniacki (more than $35 million).

Elsewhere on the list, Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova (almost $26 million) is tenth. At 36, she is unlikely to budge ninth-placed Polished star Agnieszka Radwanska, who has earned almost $2 million more than Kuznetsova despite never claiming a Grand Slam.  

Serena is the only female athlete to have been named on Forbes’ list of the most powerful women in 2021, finishing 85th.

Away from the court, fellow tennis star Naomi Osaka became the highest-paid female athlete ever after making $60 million in 12 months, including $55 million from endorsements alone.

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Iran takes aim at US & UK over Beijing boycott

The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry has vowed “solidarity” with China and accused the US of leading a “smear campaign” after the White House confirmed a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

“Whether it’s ‘diplomatic boycott’ of #Beijing22, or depriving Iranian teams from accessing financial resources, everyone should denounce politicization of sport,” tweeted Iranian Foreign Ministry Saeed Khatibzadeh on Thursday.

“Looking forward to participation in the event, we express solidarity with China that is targeted by smear campaign.”

Khatibzadeh shared an image of a tweet from US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi in which she “applauded” Joe Biden’s decision not to send US diplomats to the Games in Beijing, which get under way in February.

READ MORE: Washington’s Beijing Olympics boycott will not go unanswered

Khatibzadeh also shared a Sky News article on UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s decision to follow suit and boycott the Games. Canada also announced this week that it would do the same.

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Justin Trudeau has announced that Canada will be carrying out a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympics © Blair Gable / Reuters
Trudeau leading countries ‘clinging to Cold War mentality’, warns Chinese embassy

China has dismissed the boycotts as a “farce”, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin saying: “Sports has nothing to do with politics. It is they who have written, directed and performed this farce.

“As of now, numerous heads of state, leaders of government and royal family members have registered to attend the Beijing Winter Olympics, and we welcome them.

“China is committed to making greater contributions to the international Olympic cause and will offer up a streamlined, safe and exciting Olympics to the world.”

The boycotts are ostensibly over China’s human rights record, although some – including figures in Russia – have accused the US and its allies of pursuing a political agenda against China.  

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Basketball mom could be jailed after ‘ordering teenage daughter to attack rival’ (VIDEO)

The mother of a teenage girl who launched a vicious attack on a basketball opponent could face up to one year in jail after being criminally charged in California over accusations that she provoked the violent scenes.

The teenage attacker, who was later revealed to be the daughter of former NBA player Corey Benjamin, was seen sucker-punching a 15-year-old rival during a November 7 game in Garden Grove.

Footage of the incident went viral and prompted former Chicago Bulls guard Benjamin to say he was “shocked and disappointed” at his daughter’s behavior.

The victim was identified as 15-year-old Lauryn Ham, who was left with a bruised neck and concussion.

In the wake of the attack, Ham’s mother said that the perpetrator had been encouraged from the sidelines by a parent to strike her daughter after a seemingly innocuous on-court collision.

A clip of the scene appeared to capture someone on the sidelines saying “you better hit her for that.”

The Orange County DA has announced it has charged Latira Shonty Hunt, 44, with one count each of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and battery – both misdemeanors – for allegedly provoking the attack from her daughter.

If found guilty, Hunt could face one year in jail.  

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Corey Benjamin in his NBA prime and (inset) an incident caught on camera that is said to show his daughter © SO/ME via Reuters | © ABC7 / YouTube
Ex-NBA star Benjamin ‘shocked & disappointed’ for teenage daughter’s punch in viral clip (VIDEO)

“It is unconscionable that a parent would encourage her child to engage in violence during a sporting event,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer.

“Youth sports are invaluable in teaching our children discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. But a win at all costs mentality that is completely devoid of fair play, respect, and civility is disgusting.”

Hunt and Benjamin’s daughter has not been named as she is a minor and is not facing any charges. However, she has been banned from competing permanently by the league.

After footage of the attack on Ham went viral, more clips emerged of separate incidents in which Hunt and Benjamin’s daughter – who played for Los Angeles-based team Dream Academy – was seen brawling with rivals on court.

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NFL icon dead at age 33 after ‘medical issue’

The world of American football is in mourning after the sudden death of five-time Pro Bowl star and Super Bowl winner Demaryius Thomas at the age of 33 just months after his retirement.

Thomas was the 2010 NFL Draft’s 22nd overall pick fresh out of Georgia Tech.

Joining the Denver Broncos, he became one of the best wide receivers across the league and, in 2016, helped the franchise win a first Super Bowl title in 17 years alongside Peyton Manning.

Announcing his retirement in late June, however, the player known for his constant, infectious smile was found dead at his home in Roswell, Georgia on Thursday night. 

Thomas’ cause of death is still unclear, but police said preliminary reports suggested his passing is related to a medical issue with no indications of foul play.  

In a statement, the Broncos said they were “devastated and completely heartbroken by the sudden, tragic passing” of a former charge who would have turned 34 on Christmas Day.

“DT was beloved by our entire organization, his teammates, coaches, and our fans,” the Broncos added.

“During nine seasons in Denver, Demaryius established himself as a dominant, record-setting wide receiver who was an instrumental part of two championship runs and our victory in Super Bowl 50.

“His legacy as a Bronco extended far beyond the playing field as a caring, generous member of our community.

The Broncos told of how Thomas “loved giving back”, especially to children, while “impacting countless lives” through its youth outreach clubs, hospital visits, his yearly football camp and “many other genuine interactions”.

“Demaryius’ humility, warmth, kindness and infectious smile will always be remembered by those who knew him and loved him,” it was concluded.

Manning, regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, said that Thomas “was a better person than he was a player, and he was a Hall of Fame player”.

“That tells you how good of a person he was. He treated my kids like they were his own. He was there for every teammate’s charity event.

“I texted with DT on Tuesday. He was talking about a touchdown audible we called versus Arizona in 2014. Absolutely devasted,” Manning finished.

Posting a photo of the pair together at a restaurant, pass rusher and former colleague DeMarcus Ware wrote a simple “heartbroken” caption.

Catching 724 passes while notching 9,763 yards and 63 touchdowns, Thomas holds the Broncos’ records for most receiving yards in a game (226) and season (1619) in addition to the most touchdown receptions in a season (14).