birminghammail--2020-03-17--Pubs and restaurants in Birmingham facing ruin in virus crisis

Pubs and restaurants across Birmingham and the Black Country could be left to go bust without urgent state help to get through the coronavirus pandemic , the Government has been warned .
Owners are calling for immediate action to support the industry financially after Prime Minister Boris Johnson advised people not to go out but stopped short of ordering entertainment venues to close .
The British Beer and Pub Association has written to Mr Johnson , demanding urgent steps are taken to prevent mass job losses and permanent pub closures .
The letter , seen by the PA news agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issuing new advice for people to avoid pubs , clubs and theatres in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus .
British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin said : `` The UK pub and brewing industry is tonight facing an existential crisis as a direct result of the guidance issued by the Government today .
`` Thousands of pubs and hundreds of thousands of jobs will be lost in the very short term unless a proactive package creating cash and liquidity is provided immediately to the industry .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package will have a catastrophic financial and social impact . ''
The letter calls for the Government to cancel all business rates payments for six months , as well as all tax payments including PAYE , VAT and corporation tax for pubs and hospitality businesses .
It also calls for the cancellation of beer duty payments for six months , and the postponement of the planned national minimum and living wage increases due in April .
Ms McClarkin added : `` I can not emphasise strongly enough how critical it is that action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do so will destroy the industry . ''
Industry leaders said they were concerned that , because the Government has not ordered them to close , businesses will not be entitled to insurance payouts .
UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said the new advice left the industry in `` limbo with no recourse to insurance '' .
She added : `` This is catastrophic for businesses and jobs .
`` The Government has effectively shut the hospitality industry without any support , and this announcement will lead to thousands of businesses closing their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of job losses . ''
Asked if the Government could give advice on whether pubs and restaurants should close or not so that they could claim on insurance , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said : `` We 're advising against all unnecessary social contact .
I appreciate that this has consequences and I regret having to take these measures , I really do , but we are having to fight this virus .
`` I appreciate that this has consequences and I regret having to take these measures , I really do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this virus . ''
An Association of British Insurers ( ABI ) spokesman said : `` We are working with members to assess the situation , and that firms should , in this fast-moving situation , talk to their insurer or insurance adviser '' .

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Pubs and restaurants across Birmingham and the Black Country could be left to go bust without urgent state help to get through the coronavirus pandemic, the Government has been warned.
Owners are calling for immediate action to support the industry financially after Prime Minister Boris Johnson advised people not to go out but stopped short of ordering entertainment venues to close.
The British Beer and Pub Association has written to Mr Johnson, demanding urgent steps are taken to prevent mass job losses and permanent pub closures.
The letter, seen by the PA news agency and dated Monday, follows the Government issuing new advice for people to avoid pubs, clubs and theatres in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus.
British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin said: "The UK pub and brewing industry is tonight facing an existential crisis as a direct result of the guidance issued by the Government today.
"Thousands of pubs and hundreds of thousands of jobs will be lost in the very short term unless a proactive package creating cash and liquidity is provided immediately to the industry.
"Forced pub closures without a meaningful support package will have a catastrophic financial and social impact."
The letter calls for the Government to cancel all business rates payments for six months, as well as all tax payments including PAYE, VAT and corporation tax for pubs and hospitality businesses.
It also calls for the cancellation of beer duty payments for six months, and the postponement of the planned national minimum and living wage increases due in April.
Ms McClarkin added: "I cannot emphasise strongly enough how critical it is that action is taken now.
Coronavirus blog
"Failure to do so will destroy the industry."
Industry leaders said they were concerned that, because the Government has not ordered them to close, businesses will not be entitled to insurance payouts.
UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said the new advice left the industry in "limbo with no recourse to insurance".
She added: "This is catastrophic for businesses and jobs.
"The Government has effectively shut the hospitality industry without any support, and this announcement will lead to thousands of businesses closing their doors for good, and hundreds of thousands of job losses."
Asked if the Government could give advice on whether pubs and restaurants should close or not so that they could claim on insurance, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "We're advising against all unnecessary social contact. I appreciate that this has consequences and I regret having to take these measures, I really do, but we are having to fight this virus.
"I appreciate that this has consequences and I regret having to take these measures, I really do, but we are having to fight this virus."
An Association of British Insurers (ABI) spokesman said: "We are working with members to assess the situation, and that firms should, in this fast-moving situation, talk to their insurer or insurance adviser".


birminghammail--2020-03-17--Dixons Carphone Warehouse to close all UK stores

Almost 3,000 jobs will be lost at Dixons Carphone after the retailer announced plans to shut all 531 of its standalone Carphone Warehouse mobile phone stores in the UK .
The group said the shops - which make up around eight per cent of the entire group 's selling space - will shut on April 3 as it plans to sell mobile phones solely in its 305 combined Currys PC World stores and online across the UK .
it has stores across Birmingham , including the Fort Shopping Centre , and the surrounding region .
It expects to make 2,900 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff are set to take new roles elsewhere in the business .
The group 's 70 Carphone Warehouse stores in Ireland will remain open and its international operations are unaffected .
Dixons Carphone said the move is `` essential '' to help turn around its UK mobile arm , which is set to make a £90 million loss this year .
Carphone Warehouse group chief executive Alex Baldock said : `` There 's never an easy time for an announcement like this , but the turbulent times ahead only underline the importance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We 're working hard to look after those colleagues we ca n't find new roles for , financially and otherwise .
`` We 'll pay enhanced redundancy , any bonuses , honour their share awards , and help them find new jobs through an outplacement programme . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Holly Williams, PA, Brett Gibbons)

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Almost 3,000 jobs will be lost at Dixons Carphone after the retailer announced plans to shut all 531 of its standalone Carphone Warehouse mobile phone stores in the UK.
The group said the shops - which make up around eight per cent of the entire group's selling space - will shut on April 3 as it plans to sell mobile phones solely in its 305 combined Currys PC World stores and online across the UK.
it has stores across Birmingham, including the Fort Shopping Centre, and the surrounding region.
It expects to make 2,900 redundancies, but said almost 1,800 affected staff are set to take new roles elsewhere in the business.
The group's 70 Carphone Warehouse stores in Ireland will remain open and its international operations are unaffected.
Dixons Carphone said the move is "essential" to help turn around its UK mobile arm, which is set to make a £90 million loss this year.
Carphone Warehouse group chief executive Alex Baldock said: "There's never an easy time for an announcement like this, but the turbulent times ahead only underline the importance of acting now."
He added: "We're working hard to look after those colleagues we can't find new roles for, financially and otherwise.
"We'll pay enhanced redundancy, any bonuses, honour their share awards, and help them find new jobs through an outplacement programme."


birminghammail--2020-03-17--Villa and Liverpool provide the Prem’s biggest problems - pundit

Paul Merson has claimed that Aston Villa will be the major problem in any potential talks on how to conclude the Premier League season .
League bosses will meet this later week to discuss the state of play , after all fixtures were suspended following the coronavirus outbreak .
At present , games are scheduled to resume on April 3 , but with the COVID-19 continuing to spread across the UK , that appears unlikely .
More than 1500 people have tested positive for the disease , with the death toll now over 50 in the UK .
On Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stringent advice , including long self-isolation periods for those affected , as well as advising the public to carry out social distancing .
It means that the chances of the Premier League resuming any time soon seem bleak .
There have been debates raging as to how league titles , relegations and promotions up and down the football ladder will be decided .
Villa sit in 19th place , but have one played game less than their Premier League rivals , an issue that Merson feels will be front and centre of any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been a very simple solution if everybody had played the same amount of games , ” he said in his Sky Sports column .
“ They should have had the brains to ensure those teams who have played a game less make those games up behind closed doors before they shut the league .
“ The problem is the teams at the bottom , and in particular Aston Villa .
Their game in hand against Sheffield United should have been played , and if we ensure everyone had played the same amount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a problem .
Everyone would be on 29 games , the good teams are at the top , and the poor teams are at the bottom .
And that 's it .
“ How can you call a league now and say Aston Villa are relegated ?
If they win their game in hand , they 're out of the bottom three .
They wo n't call the league now , but they could have if everyone had played the same amount of games .
Now we have the problem , now we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Premier League talk , they 'll be stuck on what to do regarding Aston Villa .
Villa are the problem !
If Villa win that game in hand against Sheffield United , they stay up , and if Blades won that game , they 'd be fifth , which is potentially a Champions League spot if Manchester City were banned !
” Merson also went on to suggest that Liverpool being given the title , before mathematically winning it will reduce how people view the achievement .
“ I really feel for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even if you gave them the league now , mathematically it 's not won .
I know they 've won it in essence , we all know that , but it 's not the same !
It 's a shame .
”

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Paul Merson has claimed that Aston Villa will be the major problem in any potential talks on how to conclude the Premier League season.
League bosses will meet this later week to discuss the state of play, after all fixtures were suspended following the coronavirus outbreak.
At present, games are scheduled to resume on April 3, but with the COVID-19 continuing to spread across the UK, that appears unlikely.
More than 1500 people have tested positive for the disease, with the death toll now over 50 in the UK. On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson introduced more stringent advice, including long self-isolation periods for those affected, as well as advising the public to carry out social distancing.
It means that the chances of the Premier League resuming any time soon seem bleak. There have been debates raging as to how league titles, relegations and promotions up and down the football ladder will be decided.
Villa sit in 19th place, but have one played game less than their Premier League rivals, an issue that Merson feels will be front and centre of any discussions this week.
“It would have been a very simple solution if everybody had played the same amount of games,” he said in his Sky Sports column. “They should have had the brains to ensure those teams who have played a game less make those games up behind closed doors before they shut the league.
“The problem is the teams at the bottom, and in particular Aston Villa. Their game in hand against Sheffield United should have been played, and if we ensure everyone had played the same amount of games, we wouldn't have a problem. Everyone would be on 29 games, the good teams are at the top, and the poor teams are at the bottom. And that's it.
“How can you call a league now and say Aston Villa are relegated? If they win their game in hand, they're out of the bottom three. They won't call the league now, but they could have if everyone had played the same amount of games. Now we have the problem, now we're stuck.
“On Thursday when the Premier League talk, they'll be stuck on what to do regarding Aston Villa. Villa are the problem! If Villa win that game in hand against Sheffield United, they stay up, and if Blades won that game, they'd be fifth, which is potentially a Champions League spot if Manchester City were banned!”
Merson also went on to suggest that Liverpool being given the title, before mathematically winning it will reduce how people view the achievement.
“I really feel for them,” he added. “Even if you gave them the league now, mathematically it's not won. I know they've won it in essence, we all know that, but it's not the same! It's a shame.”


birminghammail--2020-03-17--Woman with confirmed coronavirus dies at Walsall Manor Hospital

A woman being treated at a Walsall hospital has died after testing positive for coronavirus .
The patient – who was in her 80s – had underlying health conditions when she contracted Covid-19 and was being treated at Walsall Manor Hospital .
She died on Thursday , March 12 but the details have only now been confirmed .
Richard Beeken , Chief Executive for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust said : `` Sadly , we can confirm that a woman who was being cared for at Walsall Manor Hospital and tested positive for COVID-19 , has died .
`` The patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was in her 80s and had underlying health conditions .
`` Her family has been informed and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult and distressing time . ''
A total of four patients have now died in the Black Country .
The tragic news came as the Government announced stringent news measures in an attempt to halt the spread of the virus .
If anyone has a persistent cough or a high temperature , everyone in the household should stay at home for 14 days , Prime Minister Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference at Downing Street on Monday , March 16 .
People are advised to work from home where they can and avoid going to pubs and restaurants and non-essential travel .
Also those in at-risk groups , people over 70 , those adults who would normally be advised to have the flu vaccine , and pregnant women , will be asked to remain at home for 12 weeks - starting in a matter of days .
The new recommendations given are guidelines and not strict law at present .
Although those that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of deaths in the UK has jumped to 53 , up 18 in a day .
As at 9am on Monday ( March 16 ) the UK had 1,543 , confirmed positive COVID-19 cases , up 152 on yesterday .
Of those 15 are said to be in Birmingham .

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A woman being treated at a Walsall hospital has died after testing positive for coronavirus.
The patient – who was in her 80s – had underlying health conditions when she contracted Covid-19 and was being treated at Walsall Manor Hospital.
She died on Thursday, March 12 but the details have only now been confirmed.
Richard Beeken, Chief Executive for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust said: "Sadly, we can confirm that a woman who was being cared for at Walsall Manor Hospital and tested positive for COVID-19, has died.
"The patient, who died on March 12, was in her 80s and had underlying health conditions.
"Her family has been informed and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult and distressing time."
A total of four patients have now died in the Black Country.
The tragic news came as the Government announced stringent news measures in an attempt to halt the spread of the virus.
If anyone has a persistent cough or a high temperature, everyone in the household should stay at home for 14 days, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in his first daily press conference at Downing Street on Monday, March 16.
People are advised to work from home where they can and avoid going to pubs and restaurants and non-essential travel.
Also those in at-risk groups, people over 70, those adults who would normally be advised to have the flu vaccine, and pregnant women, will be asked to remain at home for 12 weeks - starting in a matter of days.
The new recommendations given are guidelines and not strict law at present. Although those that can are being asked to comply.
The number of deaths in the UK has jumped to 53, up 18 in a day. As at 9am on Monday (March 16) the UK had 1,543, confirmed positive COVID-19 cases, up 152 on yesterday. Of those 15 are said to be in Birmingham.


birminghammail--2020-03-17--Pundit blasts suggestion about Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish

Tony Cascarino has backed Jack Grealish after it was suggested the Aston Villa captain is ‘ overrated ’ .
Grealish is leading Villa ’ s fight against relegation this season having played a vital role in getting his boyhood club back to the Premier League .
Several opposition managers and pundits have heaped praise on the 24-year-old - who has nine goals and eights assists in all competitions - at different points during the season .
Yet it was suggested on talkSPORT he may be ‘ overrated ’ - at which point Cascarino weighed in .
“ Just on watching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the former striker , who lasted less than a year at Villa after failing to live up to his club record £1.1m price-tag in 1990 , said .
“ Every level he has got to , he has jumped up and performed .
“ He has found the difficulties of being a player because when you go from being a Championship player to a Premier League player , he has found it easy .
His weight of pass is as good as anybody I have ever seen.
” Grealish has taken his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plenty of clubs are understood to hold an interest in the playmaker ahead of the summer transfer window .

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Tony Cascarino has backed Jack Grealish after it was suggested the Aston Villa captain is ‘overrated’.
Grealish is leading Villa’s fight against relegation this season having played a vital role in getting his boyhood club back to the Premier League.
Several opposition managers and pundits have heaped praise on the 24-year-old - who has nine goals and eights assists in all competitions - at different points during the season.
Yet it was suggested on talkSPORT he may be ‘overrated’ - at which point Cascarino weighed in.
“Just on watching Grealish over a number of seasons,” the former striker, who lasted less than a year at Villa after failing to live up to his club record £1.1m price-tag in 1990, said.
“Every level he has got to, he has jumped up and performed.
“He has found the difficulties of being a player because when you go from being a Championship player to a Premier League player, he has found it easy. His weight of pass is as good as anybody I have ever seen.”
Grealish has taken his game to another level this term and plenty of clubs are understood to hold an interest in the playmaker ahead of the summer transfer window.


birminghammail--2020-03-17--Battle for survival for city businesses amid coronavirus crisis

Independent business owners in Kings Heath fear coronavirus will have a `` devastating '' lasting impact on their livelihoods .
Footfall and sales have fallen for many small firms along the High Street , while other outlets have experienced panic buying .
One florist said she hopes the Great British spirit will be enough to see off the killer bug and vowed to continue to sell flowers in time for Mother 's Day .
But a barbers is contemplating closing temporarily through a lack of custom due to coronavirus sweeping the city .
While Stephen Hems , the owner of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finding a shortage of chickens following increased demand by supermarkets for poultry from the home market .
`` Chicken is quite hard to come by at the moment .
We could n't buy anything this morning .
Out of 400 birds we could only get about eight , '' he said .
`` A lot of the supermarkets buy chickens from the Continent - but it 's not coming into the UK at the moment due to the Coronavirus and some of the abattoirs have closed down if staff have tested positive or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't get it abroad then they are trying to get it from the home market which is producing a shortage for everyone and pushing the price up .
In three days it has gone up by about 10 % . ''
Asked if the price would continue to go up , Mr Hems said : `` With more demand the higher the price .
It depends if people buy , stock up and keep in the freezer or it 's just a fad and people realise there 's plenty in the shops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favors by buying too much at the moment because they are creating a demand and it 's all going up in price . ''
He added : `` We 've had a lot of extra customers we have n't seen before who are looking for supplies as supermarkets are selling out .
`` We serve a lot of restaurants .
The restaurant trade is down I 'd say by about 50 % as people are n't going out and they 're concerned about being with other people . ''
Florist Charnain Hannaby , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are hoping the Great British spirit will help them in their time of need .
She said : `` We must keep our chin up .
We 're British .
We 're going to go for it .
`` If it happens it happens and if we come out here crying and have to lock the door then so be it .
At least we gave it a good go . ''
The 45-year-old said they are keeping a close eye on the flower auctions in Holland as restrictions would affect supplies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said : `` People are panicking with what 's going on with the High Street .
`` It 's affecting trade quite drastically as we have a level of uncertainty with the borders .
`` You ca n't plan for it .
Everything has been unforseen .
Normally our order books are heaving right now as we near Mother 's Day , but they are still quite quiet at the moment .
`` People are panicking with what 's going on with themselves , which is perfectly understandable .
`` At the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother .
We will go above and beyond , come hell or high water , we will get the flowers out .
`` We are a small family business and it does massively impact on us if we do n't get the trade . ''
The business are working through five orders out of more than 40 they would expect at this time of year .
Sharon Powers , 51 , from card shop Yours Truly , said she had found the elderly were shock-piling greeting cards .
`` Some of our older @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three months time , '' she said .
`` They are Birthday cards for the grandchildren and they do n't want to miss out on sending them as they do n't know when they will be back if they have to stay at home .
`` We 've found a lot of our Mother 's Day cards are still here .
Normally we 'd have many gaps , but not this year . ''
Rasul Kazem , 40 , from Amigos barbers , said business was down 50 % compared to this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinking about having their hair cut .
They have more pressing things on their mind with the Coronavirus , '' he said .
`` I hope it sorts itself out and everything can return to normal . ''
While barber Ash Ali , 28 , from Golden Scissors , said he had only two customers in over six hours .
`` If this continues we may have to shut the shop temporarily as we ca n't have staff sitting around doing nothing , '' he added .
Mohammad Arif , from Bike Pro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face masks .
He said he hoped more people would get on their bikes to get around and that business would pick up in the area .

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Independent business owners in Kings Heath fear coronavirus will have a "devastating" lasting impact on their livelihoods.
Footfall and sales have fallen for many small firms along the High Street, while other outlets have experienced panic buying.
One florist said she hopes the Great British spirit will be enough to see off the killer bug and vowed to continue to sell flowers in time for Mother's Day.
But a barbers is contemplating closing temporarily through a lack of custom due to coronavirus sweeping the city.
While Stephen Hems, the owner of Johnstans Quality Butchers, said he is finding a shortage of chickens following increased demand by supermarkets for poultry from the home market.
"Chicken is quite hard to come by at the moment. We couldn't buy anything this morning. Out of 400 birds we could only get about eight," he said.
"A lot of the supermarkets buy chickens from the Continent - but it's not coming into the UK at the moment due to the Coronavirus and some of the abattoirs have closed down if staff have tested positive or self isolated.
"If the supermarkets can't get it abroad then they are trying to get it from the home market which is producing a shortage for everyone and pushing the price up. In three days it has gone up by about 10%."
Asked if the price would continue to go up, Mr Hems said: "With more demand the higher the price. It depends if people buy, stock up and keep in the freezer or it's just a fad and people realise there's plenty in the shops.
"People are doing themselves no favors by buying too much at the moment because they are creating a demand and it's all going up in price."
He added: "We've had a lot of extra customers we haven't seen before who are looking for supplies as supermarkets are selling out.
"We serve a lot of restaurants. The restaurant trade is down I'd say by about 50% as people aren't going out and they're concerned about being with other people."
Florist Charnain Hannaby, from Winspers Floral Designers, said they are hoping the Great British spirit will help them in their time of need.
She said: "We must keep our chin up. We're British. We're going to go for it.
"If it happens it happens and if we come out here crying and have to lock the door then so be it. At least we gave it a good go."
The 45-year-old said they are keeping a close eye on the flower auctions in Holland as restrictions would affect supplies and be "devastating" for business.
She said: "People are panicking with what's going on with the High Street.
"It's affecting trade quite drastically as we have a level of uncertainty with the borders.
"You can't plan for it. Everything has been unforseen. Normally our order books are heaving right now as we near Mother's Day, but they are still quite quiet at the moment.
"People are panicking with what's going on with themselves, which is perfectly understandable.
"At the end of the day everyone has a mother. We will go above and beyond, come hell or high water, we will get the flowers out.
"We are a small family business and it does massively impact on us if we don't get the trade."
The business are working through five orders out of more than 40 they would expect at this time of year.
Sharon Powers, 51, from card shop Yours Truly, said she had found the elderly were shock-piling greeting cards.
"Some of our older customers are buying cards for two, three months time," she said.
"They are Birthday cards for the grandchildren and they don't want to miss out on sending them as they don't know when they will be back if they have to stay at home.
"We've found a lot of our Mother's Day cards are still here. Normally we'd have many gaps, but not this year."
Rasul Kazem, 40, from Amigos barbers, said business was down 50% compared to this time last year.
"People aren't thinking about having their hair cut. They have more pressing things on their mind with the Coronavirus," he said.
"I hope it sorts itself out and everything can return to normal."
While barber Ash Ali, 28, from Golden Scissors, said he had only two customers in over six hours.
"If this continues we may have to shut the shop temporarily as we can't have staff sitting around doing nothing," he added.
Mohammad Arif, from Bike Pro, said they have sold out of face masks. He said he hoped more people would get on their bikes to get around and that business would pick up in the area.


birminghammail--2020-03-17--Wanted: Murder suspect known as 'Madman' who could be in Birmingham

A man who is wanted in connection with a horrific murder in which a man was brutally tortured to death could be in Birmingham .
A nationwide TV appeal has been launched to find a man wanted in connection with a murder in the summer of 2018 .
During a 'Wanted Faces ' segment on today 's edition of BBC Crimewatch Roadshow , it was revealed Abdi Ali is wanted by police in the seaside resort of Cleethorpes , North East Lincolnshire , after Shaun Lyall , 47 , was murdered at a house in the town back in July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a distinctive tattoo of the word 'Man ' on his left hand and a missing front tooth , which he regularly replaces with a gold one , is originally from Somalia .
It was revealed during the segment , which can be seen in the video at the top of this story , that Ali has links to Birmingham , as well as Milton Keynes , Sheffield , Wembley , Grimsby and Blackpool .
The appeal also warns if you do see Ali , do not approach him and instead call 999 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Humberside Police during their original appeal to try and find Ali back in 2018 .
Additional information in the original appeal for Ali recalled he also has alias ' which could identify him .
They include “ Madman ” , “ Madders ” and “ Gulaid ” .
In December 2019 , Craig Whittle , 45 , of Corporation Road in Grimsby was found guilty of murdering Mr Lyall who was found with multiple injuries at a house on Sidney Street , Cleethorpes on Tuesday July 17 , 2018 .
Whittle had pleaded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for providing a false statement in connection with Mr Lyall ’ s death , but not guilty to his murder .
On the morning of December 18 , 2019 , after a two and a half week trial , a jury at Hull Crown Court unanimously found Craig Whittle guilty on all charges .
A judge sentenced Whittle to life in prison with a minimum of 21 years , describing the assault on Shaun Lyall as having all the `` hallmarks of extreme violence '' and it being a `` ferocious and sustained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime of murder . ''
Police are still searching for the second man , Ali , in connection with Shaun Lyall 's death .
A court heard Mr Lyall suffered 170 separate injuries when he was repeatedly battered .
He was attacked with `` a variety of weapons over a sustained period '' as well as fists and suffered bruises , cuts , slash wounds and internal injuries .
Whittle and an accomplice , who is still on the run , are thought to have used golf clubs , screwdrivers , a knife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the brutal beating .
If you have any information about where he might be contact us on 999 or 101 quoting log 517 of 17 July 2018 .
You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 .
You can also call the BBC Crimewatch Roadshow hotline on 08000 468 999 .

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A man who is wanted in connection with a horrific murder in which a man was brutally tortured to death could be in Birmingham.
A nationwide TV appeal has been launched to find a man wanted in connection with a murder in the summer of 2018.
During a 'Wanted Faces' segment on today's edition of BBC Crimewatch Roadshow, it was revealed Abdi Ali is wanted by police in the seaside resort of Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire, after Shaun Lyall, 47, was murdered at a house in the town back in July 2018.
The 29-year-old, who has a distinctive tattoo of the word 'Man' on his left hand and a missing front tooth, which he regularly replaces with a gold one, is originally from Somalia.
It was revealed during the segment, which can be seen in the video at the top of this story, that Ali has links to Birmingham, as well as Milton Keynes, Sheffield, Wembley, Grimsby and Blackpool.
The appeal also warns if you do see Ali, do not approach him and instead call 999.
The pictures below show images released by Humberside Police during their original appeal to try and find Ali back in 2018.
(Image: Humberside Police)
Additional information in the original appeal for Ali recalled he also has alias' which could identify him. They include “Madman”, “Madders” and “Gulaid”.
In December 2019, Craig Whittle, 45, of Corporation Road in Grimsby was found guilty of murdering Mr Lyall who was found with multiple injuries at a house on Sidney Street, Cleethorpes on Tuesday July 17, 2018.
Whittle had pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice for providing a false statement in connection with Mr Lyall’s death, but not guilty to his murder.
On the morning of December 18, 2019, after a two and a half week trial, a jury at Hull Crown Court unanimously found Craig Whittle guilty on all charges.
A judge sentenced Whittle to life in prison with a minimum of 21 years, describing the assault on Shaun Lyall as having all the "hallmarks of extreme violence" and it being a "ferocious and sustained attack, and a brutal and protracted crime of murder."
Police are still searching for the second man, Ali, in connection with Shaun Lyall's death.
A court heard Mr Lyall suffered 170 separate injuries when he was repeatedly battered.
He was attacked with "a variety of weapons over a sustained period" as well as fists and suffered bruises, cuts, slash wounds and internal injuries. Whittle and an accomplice, who is still on the run, are thought to have used golf clubs, screwdrivers, a knife, scissors and a piece of wood in the brutal beating.
If you have any information about where he might be contact us on 999 or 101 quoting log 517 of 17 July 2018. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
You can also call the BBC Crimewatch Roadshow hotline on 08000 468 999.


birminghammail--2020-03-17--Britain's 'vainest man' caught up in Spanish coronavirus lockdown

Britain 's self-proclaimed vainest man has been caught up in the coronavirus lockdown in Tenerife - with police warning him to stay inside his villa .
Sam , 28 , flew out to the popular Canary Island destination last Friday for a week 's holiday in Los Gigantes with two other friends .
But a day later Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez declared a state of emergency and said the country will go into a 15-day nationwide lockdown due to coronavirus .
All bars and shops except pharmacies and stores selling basic necessities have been forced to close .
Residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , allowed out only to buy food and medicine or travel to work , health centres or banks .
Travel is also allowed for those looking after the elderly or dependents .
Sam says police have been driving down the roads in Los Gigantes ensuring people stay indoors .
He told BirminghamLive : `` My villa is absolutely beautiful but I feel like I will go insane if I am in here for a week .
`` There a few of us scattered all over the place but we ’ re not allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walked to the shop yesterday and the police stopped us to see where we was going and telling us only one per family was allowed to go outside to get essentials . ''
He added : `` We ’ re in a villa but it ’ s on a complex , so all the outside area is communal .
So we can ’ t even go outside .
`` We had received a letter saying we were n't allowed to socialise and travel companies have made it impossible to come home .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but bare and only one per family can go in , so it ’ s bread marmite and beans for me .
Nothing else is open .
No shops bars , pools , even the beaches are closed .
It 's just a nightmare .
`` I just hope the situation does n't deteriorate anymore before I go home and I can get a flight back as I am having surgery on Saturday . ''
Sam first hit the headlines after revealing he had a free nose job on the NHS .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life to combat the anxiety his ‘ new-found fame ’ had provoked .
In August last year he appeared on ITV 's This Morning after causing controversy by announcing he was crowdfunding to pay for liposuction .
Sam has also spoken in the past about his battle with body dysmorphia - a mental disorder characterized by the obsessive idea that your appearance is severely flawed .

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Britain's self-proclaimed vainest man has been caught up in the coronavirus lockdown in Tenerife - with police warning him to stay inside his villa.
Sam, 28, flew out to the popular Canary Island destination last Friday for a week's holiday in Los Gigantes with two other friends.
But a day later Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez declared a state of emergency and said the country will go into a 15-day nationwide lockdown due to coronavirus.
All bars and shops except pharmacies and stores selling basic necessities have been forced to close.
(Image: ITV)
Residents have been ordered to stay at home, allowed out only to buy food and medicine or travel to work, health centres or banks. Travel is also allowed for those looking after the elderly or dependents.
Sam says police have been driving down the roads in Los Gigantes ensuring people stay indoors.
He told BirminghamLive: "My villa is absolutely beautiful but I feel like I will go insane if I am in here for a week.
"There a few of us scattered all over the place but we’re not allowed to see each other.
"We walked to the shop yesterday and the police stopped us to see where we was going and telling us only one per family was allowed to go outside to get essentials."
He added: "We’re in a villa but it’s on a complex, so all the outside area is communal. So we can’t even go outside.
"We had received a letter saying we weren't allowed to socialise and travel companies have made it impossible to come home.
"The essential shops and pharmacies are open but bare and only one per family can go in, so it’s bread marmite and beans for me. Nothing else is open. No shops bars, pools, even the beaches are closed. It's just a nightmare.
"I just hope the situation doesn't deteriorate anymore before I go home and I can get a flight back as I am having surgery on Saturday."
Sam first hit the headlines after revealing he had a free nose job on the NHS.
He later applied for free Botox treatment for life to combat the anxiety his ‘new-found fame’ had provoked.
In August last year he appeared on ITV's This Morning after causing controversy by announcing he was crowdfunding to pay for liposuction.
Sam has also spoken in the past about his battle with body dysmorphia - a mental disorder characterized by the obsessive idea that your appearance is severely flawed.


birminghammail--2020-03-17--Aston Villa chief makes coronavirus call as fan explains attack

A year ago Aston Villa -mad Martin Hollinshead stepped off a supporters ' coach before being allegedly slashed across the face in an abhorrent attack .
The 43-year-old had just watched Villa beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 at the City Ground on Wednesday , March 13 last year .
Martin , a season-ticket holder at Villa for 10 years now , said how he was sliced wide open just moments after the bus had parked up shortly after midnight by the Bagot Arms near Pype Hayes Park .
`` I had a verbal argument with another fan on the coach over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got off , he just went for me , '' Martin told us a year ago .
`` For me , it was probably a Stanley knife and it cut all my face open .
Blood was gushing out .
`` He went to use the tool again from out of his pocket but there were about seven or eight witnesses . ''
In an update days after the assault , dad Martin added : `` I 'm not too bad , I 'm all right .
I 'm just grateful it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not bothered about the scar , I 'll get over it but it 's shaken my missus up terrible . ''
The warehouse worker from Castle Bromwich explained how he 's now fully recovered after his 50-stitch operation 12 month ago .
Martin has since posted a photo on Twitter , with a photo of him lying on his hospital bed and one of him at Wembley a fortnight ago , with the caption : `` 1 year on !
# avfc # stronger UTV . ''
Messages of support flooded in for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Well done , great to see you wearing our colours proudly and to see how well you ’ ve recovered over the last 12 months .
It shames me that we have followers that would do that to another Villan .
Up the Villa mate ! ''
Bille Kelly posted : `` Spoke to Martin the other day mate , still can ’ t believe it ... glad you ’ re recovering well though & still making memories with your family !
Keep going & good luck for a couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Rob Mahony added : `` It was really good to share a pint or two with you and your son mate , wishing you the very best . ''
Rachel Sale said : `` 1 year already.. bloody hell that went fast .
Glad you 're still with us .
Very lucky . ''
While KRO Dave put : `` Looking way better fella hope they find who ever did this good to see it ain ’ t put u off KRO . ''
According to Martin , the case into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prosecution Service set to update him in two weeks ' time .
On life over the past year , Martin added : `` I 'm doing really well .
The support I 've had off everybody has been overwhelming , to be honest .
It 's been a crazy year .
`` I 'm still going down the Villa , home and away , and was at Wembley cheering on the boys .
`` The stares have stopped now which I 'm glad about .
I 'd go into a pub or I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and what not and I 'd get asked about it all the time .
I 'm glad all that 's calmed down and I can just get on with my life .
`` I 've recently adopted a boy we 've had with us for a while as well .
It 's all gone through and we , as a family , are excited by that . ''
What about the coronavirus putting a stop to the Villa , Mart : `` Well , what I 'd do is give Liverpool the league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play to catch up and play behind closed doors .
`` It 'll mean Villa should play Sheffield United and if they win they stay up or if they lose they 'll go down .
`` I honestly have n't got a clue , though .
People 's health is more important . ''
The West Midlands Police investigation into the attack remains ongoing .
Stan Collymore believes it would be 'absurd ' for Liverpool to not be crowned Premier League champions - but thinks relegation should be binned .
Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 3 , with fears that fixtures may not be completed should the coronavirus spread continue .
It has generated much debate as to how the league will be concluded , with some claims that the league could be made null and void .
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady hinted that Premier League bosses could decide to wipe this season 's results - although she has now backtracked from the original suggestion .
But Collymore , writing in his Daily Mirror column , has said he thinks Aston Villa , Sheffield United , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play their game in hand , before making some difficult decisions .
“ It would be an absurdity , even in these exceptional circumstances , if the season were to be voided .
And a club that have a 25-point lead and need just two wins from their remaining nine games were denied the right to be determined champions of England .
“ Liverpool have quite obviously been the best team in the country this season by miles and they deserve to be recognised as such for the first time in 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League would be to get all 20 teams to 29 games as quickly as possible .
“ It would take just two matches – Sheffield United versus Aston Villa and Manchester City versus Arsenal .
“ The Blades and the Villans could even have played behind closed doors this weekend , given that no one from either side has tested positive for COVID-19 .
“ And while City versus Arsenal is the tricky one given Mikel Arteta ’ s health , we could get that game done and dusted as soon as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The former Villa and Liverpool forward thinks that once those games are completed , the season can be finished , with no teams relegated from the top flight .
“ Then , at least , everyone would have played the same number of fixtures and we could say that whatever position each team was in after 29 games was the position they had finished in , '' he said .
“ Now , I know that would lead to problems with relegation .
“ Because teams will say , ‘ Well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run-in , it ’ s easier than theirs and we think we ’ d have got out of trouble ’ .
“ So to avoid any complaints or even litigation , the best thing would be to not relegate anyone .
He added : “ And I don ’ t want to detract from the success Leeds , West Brom , Coventry , Rotherham , Crewe and Swindon have enjoyed this season .
So to keep things fair , I ’ d promote them all and play with two extra teams in each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to that working would then be for five teams to go down in a year ’ s time to reduce the numbers in each division to what they traditionally are.
” Aston Villa fans have been having their say on the future of in-demand winger Trezeguet .
The Egyptian international only signed for Villa in the summer , but has already been linked with a potential exit .
Turkish news outlet Fotospor have suggested that Besiktas have placed the forward at the top of transfer wishlist and will try to sign him at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims that Besiktas wouldn ’ t be able to afford a deal outright for Trezeguet and could therefore look at a loan agreement .
Fans on social media are split over the 25-year-old ’ s long-term prospects at Villa Park , after a patchy first season in English football : @ Gumbo22003 : I actually think there ’ s a very good player in there somewhere & I partly blame Smith for how he ’ s used Trez ( scored 3 in 3 at one point & was still on the bench ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of him .
I think he ’ s a signing that disappointed me the most .
@ DavidDAVFC : Sell him and go get lolley @ DLHarpz : Nahhh keep him for the championship .
@ MarcJag1984 : He needs time he works his socks of @ DavidMahony18 : Why would villa loan him out , its his first season the lad still settling in , I think he could come good next season .
@ PaulDeeh19 : Keep him .
Some of the best players to play in the premier league took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EmlynHall : Decent , but not quite prem standard , we have a bunch of them ... .
@ CJ7891234 : Would be decent in the Championship .
Not sure he is a PL player .
@ Villaandrew : Nah we ’ ll need him in the championship Aston Villa sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch says most Premier League clubs are in favour of suspending relegations this season .
English football fixtures have been postponed until early April due to the spread of the coronavirus and meetings will take place this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be extended .
But there are serious concerns that the season may have to be cancelled altogether with the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UK now at over 1,500 and several top-flight clubs being placed on lockdown .
There is uncertainty about what would happen to the relegation places if that happens but Pitarch says there is a consensus among top-flight clubs .
In an interview with Spanish news outlet Cope , the Villa transfer chief - more commonly known as Suso - said : `` On Monday there are schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What is happening surprises us because we think that other measures should be taken .
`` [ Number of deaths 35 ] That number indicates that we are behind other countries such as Spain and that soon other measures will have to be taken .
Here it seems the Conservative Party does n't go with this .
`` At Aston Villa we are beginning to think about this .
If the peak of the coronavirus is to occur in May , no one thinks of a competition in which players , coaches , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to appear every day , there are clubs that do not see an option that the competition possibly resumes on June 30 .
`` The most reasonable solution if the League has to be stopped is that there are no relegations .
There is a certain unanimity that there should be no relegations . ''
Villa are currently 19th in the table , two points from safety with a game in hand on their relegation rivals .

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Attack
A year ago Aston Villa -mad Martin Hollinshead stepped off a supporters' coach before being allegedly slashed across the face in an abhorrent attack.
The 43-year-old had just watched Villa beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 at the City Ground on Wednesday, March 13 last year.
Martin, a season-ticket holder at Villa for 10 years now, said how he was sliced wide open just moments after the bus had parked up shortly after midnight by the Bagot Arms near Pype Hayes Park.
"I had a verbal argument with another fan on the coach over getting off and, as we had got off, he just went for me," Martin told us a year ago.
"For me, it was probably a Stanley knife and it cut all my face open. Blood was gushing out.
"He went to use the tool again from out of his pocket but there were about seven or eight witnesses."
In an update days after the assault, dad Martin added: "I'm not too bad, I'm all right. I'm just grateful it wasn't my neck.
"I'm not bothered about the scar, I'll get over it but it's shaken my missus up terrible."
The warehouse worker from Castle Bromwich explained how he's now fully recovered after his 50-stitch operation 12 month ago.
Martin has since posted a photo on Twitter, with a photo of him lying on his hospital bed and one of him at Wembley a fortnight ago, with the caption: "1 year on! #avfc #stronger UTV."
Messages of support flooded in for the coach attack victim.
Nigel B6 said: "Well done, great to see you wearing our colours proudly and to see how well you’ve recovered over the last 12 months. It shames me that we have followers that would do that to another Villan. Up the Villa mate!"
Bille Kelly posted: "Spoke to Martin the other day mate, still can’t believe it... glad you’re recovering well though & still making memories with your family! Keep going & good luck for a couple of weeks, hope you get Justice."
Rob Mahony added: "It was really good to share a pint or two with you and your son mate, wishing you the very best."
Rachel Sale said: "1 year already.. bloody hell that went fast. Glad you're still with us. Very lucky."
While KRO Dave put: "Looking way better fella hope they find who ever did this good to see it ain’t put u off KRO."
According to Martin, the case into the attack remains open with the Crown Prosecution Service set to update him in two weeks' time.
On life over the past year, Martin added: "I'm doing really well. The support I've had off everybody has been overwhelming, to be honest. It's been a crazy year.
"I'm still going down the Villa, home and away, and was at Wembley cheering on the boys.
"The stares have stopped now which I'm glad about. I'd go into a pub or I'd constantly be stopped down the Villa and what not and I'd get asked about it all the time. I'm glad all that's calmed down and I can just get on with my life.
"I've recently adopted a boy we've had with us for a while as well. It's all gone through and we, as a family, are excited by that."
What about the coronavirus putting a stop to the Villa, Mart: "Well, what I'd do is give Liverpool the league and let those who have games left to play to catch up and play behind closed doors.
"It'll mean Villa should play Sheffield United and if they win they stay up or if they lose they'll go down.
"I honestly haven't got a clue, though. People's health is more important."
The West Midlands Police investigation into the attack remains ongoing.
Plan
Stan Collymore believes it would be 'absurd' for Liverpool to not be crowned Premier League champions - but thinks relegation should be binned.
Premier League football has been suspended until at least April 3, with fears that fixtures may not be completed should the coronavirus spread continue.
It has generated much debate as to how the league will be concluded, with some claims that the league could be made null and void.
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady hinted that Premier League bosses could decide to wipe this season's results - although she has now backtracked from the original suggestion.
(Image: AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
But Collymore, writing in his Daily Mirror column, has said he thinks Aston Villa, Sheffield United, Man City and Arsenal should be allowed to play their game in hand, before making some difficult decisions.
“It would be an absurdity, even in these exceptional circumstances, if the season were to be voided.
And a club that have a 25-point lead and need just two wins from their remaining nine games were denied the right to be determined champions of England.
“Liverpool have quite obviously been the best team in the country this season by miles and they deserve to be recognised as such for the first time in 30 years.
“My solution for the Premier League would be to get all 20 teams to 29 games as quickly as possible.
“It would take just two matches – Sheffield United versus Aston Villa and Manchester City versus Arsenal.
“The Blades and the Villans could even have played behind closed doors this weekend, given that no one from either side has tested positive for COVID-19.
“And while City versus Arsenal is the tricky one given Mikel Arteta’s health, we could get that game done and dusted as soon as everyone from both camps is declared fit."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The former Villa and Liverpool forward thinks that once those games are completed, the season can be finished, with no teams relegated from the top flight.
“Then, at least, everyone would have played the same number of fixtures and we could say that whatever position each team was in after 29 games was the position they had finished in," he said.
“Now, I know that would lead to problems with relegation.
“Because teams will say, ‘Well, hang on, look at our run-in, it’s easier than theirs and we think we’d have got out of trouble’.
“So to avoid any complaints or even litigation, the best thing would be to not relegate anyone.
He added: “And I don’t want to detract from the success Leeds, West Brom, Coventry, Rotherham, Crewe and Swindon have enjoyed this season. So to keep things fair, I’d promote them all and play with two extra teams in each division next season.
“The key to that working would then be for five teams to go down in a year’s time to reduce the numbers in each division to what they traditionally are.”
Trezeguet
Aston Villa fans have been having their say on the future of in-demand winger Trezeguet.
The Egyptian international only signed for Villa in the summer, but has already been linked with a potential exit.
Turkish news outlet Fotospor have suggested that Besiktas have placed the forward at the top of transfer wishlist and will try to sign him at the next available opportunity.
The report claims that Besiktas wouldn’t be able to afford a deal outright for Trezeguet and could therefore look at a loan agreement.
Fans on social media are split over the 25-year-old’s long-term prospects at Villa Park, after a patchy first season in English football:
@Gumbo22003: I actually think there’s a very good player in there somewhere & I partly blame Smith for how he’s used Trez (scored 3 in 3 at one point & was still on the bench) & failed to get the best out of him. I think he’s a signing that disappointed me the most.
@DavidDAVFC: Sell him and go get lolley
@DLHarpz: Nahhh keep him for the championship.
@MarcJag1984: He needs time he works his socks of
@DavidMahony18: Why would villa loan him out, its his first season the lad still settling in, I think he could come good next season.
@PaulDeeh19: Keep him. Some of the best players to play in the premier league took a year or more to adapt.
@EmlynHall: Decent, but not quite prem standard, we have a bunch of them....
@CJ7891234: Would be decent in the Championship. Not sure he is a PL player.
@Villaandrew: Nah we’ll need him in the championship
No regulations
Aston Villa sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch says most Premier League clubs are in favour of suspending relegations this season.
English football fixtures have been postponed until early April due to the spread of the coronavirus and meetings will take place this week to decide whether the ban needs to be extended.
But there are serious concerns that the season may have to be cancelled altogether with the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UK now at over 1,500 and several top-flight clubs being placed on lockdown.
There is uncertainty about what would happen to the relegation places if that happens but Pitarch says there is a consensus among top-flight clubs.
In an interview with Spanish news outlet Cope, the Villa transfer chief - more commonly known as Suso - said: "On Monday there are schools open, everything is apparently normal. What is happening surprises us because we think that other measures should be taken.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"[Number of deaths 35] That number indicates that we are behind other countries such as Spain and that soon other measures will have to be taken. Here it seems the Conservative Party doesn't go with this.
"At Aston Villa we are beginning to think about this. If the peak of the coronavirus is to occur in May, no one thinks of a competition in which players, coaches, health personnel of the club will continue to appear every day, there are clubs that do not see an option that the competition possibly resumes on June 30.
"The most reasonable solution if the League has to be stopped is that there are no relegations. There is a certain unanimity that there should be no relegations."
Villa are currently 19th in the table, two points from safety with a game in hand on their relegation rivals.


birminghammail--2020-03-17--Premier League claim will interest Wolves fans as Adama update emerges

Former Birmingham City chief Karren Brady has clarified the controversial comments she made about scrapping the Premier League season .
The West Ham vice-chairman used her column in a national newspaper on Saturday to argue the top flight campaign should be voided from the record books following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic .
Professional football has shutdown for at least three weeks , but Brady called for the season to be cancelled , with her club currently hovering just above the relegation zone on goal difference only .
After her original comments were widely criticised , the Hammers chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with their 25-point lead , deserve to be crowned Premier League champions , and tried to clear up any confusion over the column .
Such a course of action would also stymie Wolves ' ambitions this season .
She tweeted : “ Everyone agrees that LFC deserve to win the title .
“ PL & EFL are doing all we can to ensure the season is finished .
Including suspending games , isolating players , and if required playing games behind closed doors and into the summer months .
“ My point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff come 1st & if the remaining games just can not be played the only fair & reasonable thing is to declare season null and void . ''
Nuno Espirito Santo has given a positive fitness update on Wolves flier Adama Traore .
The 24-year-old dislocated his shoulder against Tottenham Hotspur , a re-occurrence of an injury that has stayed with him from his days with Middlesbrough .
Indeed it has been claimed the former Barcelona star has struggled with his left shoulder all season long and has dislocated it three times .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking the most likely long-term solution for the problem .
But the Wolves boss , clearly reluctant to make that call at this uncertain stage of the season , praised Traore for managing the situation .
“ We always train in as close a reality situation as we can when we approach a competition , ” Nuno told the club website.. “ This is how we work – we train like we play .
“ But , of course , we have to be aware [ of injuries ] .
It would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to count on players for the competition , but Adama is ok. “ He ’ s in a situation that he has to handle , it ’ s very painful – we all know that – but he ’ s handled it quite well.
” The coronavirus pandemic could force UEFA into playing Champions League and Europa League knock-out ties in one-off games in order to finish the competitions this season .
The news will be of keen interest to Wolves as they look to see how their Europa League future pans out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Olympiakos .
UEFA confirmed last Friday that all fixtures in the Champions League and Europa League had been suspended due to the outbreak .
The governing body also announced that the draws for the quarter-finals of the Champions League and Europa League , planned for next Friday , have also been postponed .
All of Europe ’ s top leagues have faced widespread disruption , with the Premier League also postponing fixtures until the start of April at the earliest .
A UEFA statement read : “ In the light of developments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe and related decisions made by different governments , all UEFA club competitions matches scheduled next week are postponed .
“ This includes the remaining UEFA Champions League , Round of 16 second leg matches scheduled on 17 and 18 March 2020 ; all UEFA Europa League , Round of 16 second leg matches scheduled on 19 March 2020 ; all UEFA Youth League , quarter-final matches scheduled on 17 and 18 March 2020 .
“ Further decisions on when these matches take place will be communicated in due course .
Giovanni Branchini @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cutrone , has revealed that his client is recovering well after contracting the coronavirus .
Forward Cutrone , who joined Wanderers last summer but who left on a loan deal for Fiorentina after not settling in England , tested positive for COVID-19 last week .
His partner , too , tested positive over in Italy , which has been by far the worst impacted country in Europe since the virus made its way to the continent from China .
Cutrone ’ s agent , though , has confirmed that the forward is on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He remains in isolation while he overcomes the virus .
“ Patrick is better , he is at ease at home and will spend the necessary days to combat the virus , ” Branchini told FirenzeViola.it .
“ Thank God both he and his girlfriend are much better .
They have never been really bad but have had a fever and are now getting better .
We are heading towards a happy solution entirely.
” Get well soon Nuno Espirito Santo admits Morgan Gibbs-White is struggling after his latest injury setback .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s tortuous campaign came a couple of weeks ago when he was sidelined in an Under 23s match .
The Wolves youngster remains out - while the season is suspended - but Nuno gave the club website an update .
“ Morgan ’ s getting better , but he ’ s not good , ” the Portuguese head coach said .
“ He ’ s had a season where there have been obstacles in terms of injuries and not being able to settle down , and perform in a continuous way , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s not going to be out for long and he will be able to join the group and keep on helping us.
” The 20-year-old has had to contend with a lingering back injury that has seen him miss a huge chunk of the season .
He started his first game in 2020 during the Europa League second leg trip to Espanyol , playing just over an hour as Wolves were beaten 3-2 .
That was just his 13th appearance in all competitions , as injuries and loss of form have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career .
So in order to continue building up his match fitness , Gibbs-White started the U23 fixture against Tottenham at Stevenage earlier this month - only for another mishap .
He was taken off with an injury in the first half of the game at Stevenage ’ s stadium , a match Wolves would go on to lose 3-2 .
He will be hoping the current hiatus gives him the chance to make a lasting recovery .

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Clarification
Former Birmingham City chief Karren Brady has clarified the controversial comments she made about scrapping the Premier League season.
The West Ham vice-chairman used her column in a national newspaper on Saturday to argue the top flight campaign should be voided from the record books following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
Professional football has shutdown for at least three weeks, but Brady called for the season to be cancelled, with her club currently hovering just above the relegation zone on goal difference only.
After her original comments were widely criticised, the Hammers chief said that Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool , with their 25-point lead, deserve to be crowned Premier League champions, and tried to clear up any confusion over the column.
Such a course of action would also stymie Wolves ' ambitions this season.
She tweeted: “Everyone agrees that LFC deserve to win the title.
“PL & EFL are doing all we can to ensure the season is finished. Including suspending games, isolating players, and if required playing games behind closed doors and into the summer months.
“My point was safety of fans, players, staff come 1st & if the remaining games just cannot be played the only fair & reasonable thing is to declare season null and void."
Shoulder burden
Nuno Espirito Santo has given a positive fitness update on Wolves flier Adama Traore.
The 24-year-old dislocated his shoulder against Tottenham Hotspur, a re-occurrence of an injury that has stayed with him from his days with Middlesbrough.
Indeed it has been claimed the former Barcelona star has struggled with his left shoulder all season long and has dislocated it three times.
It is thought an operation is now looking the most likely long-term solution for the problem.
Wolves latest This is your round up of all things Wolverhampton Wanderers; the one-stop shop that will keep you updated on the latest goings on at Molineux and beyond. Transfers, injuries, match-days and managers, we’ve got you covered. We’ll be bringing the very latest on Wolves throughout week and around the clock. Make sure you keep yourself updated with our handy daily catch up... Ratings for the season so far- READ
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But the Wolves boss, clearly reluctant to make that call at this uncertain stage of the season, praised Traore for managing the situation.
“We always train in as close a reality situation as we can when we approach a competition,” Nuno told the club website..
“This is how we work – we train like we play.
“But, of course, we have to be aware [of injuries]. It would be absurd to create circumstances that avoid us to count on players for the competition, but Adama is ok.
“He’s in a situation that he has to handle, it’s very painful – we all know that – but he’s handled it quite well.”
Europa League
The coronavirus pandemic could force UEFA into playing Champions League and Europa League knock-out ties in one-off games in order to finish the competitions this season.
The news will be of keen interest to Wolves as they look to see how their Europa League future pans out after the first leg of their tie with Olympiakos.
The Molineux leg was suspended.
UEFA confirmed last Friday that all fixtures in the Champions League and Europa League had been suspended due to the outbreak. The governing body also announced that the draws for the quarter-finals of the Champions League and Europa League, planned for next Friday, have also been postponed.
All of Europe’s top leagues have faced widespread disruption, with the Premier League also postponing fixtures until the start of April at the earliest.
A UEFA statement read: “In the light of developments due to the spread of COVID-19 in Europe and related decisions made by different governments, all UEFA club competitions matches scheduled next week are postponed.
“This includes the remaining UEFA Champions League, Round of 16 second leg matches scheduled on 17 and 18 March 2020; all UEFA Europa League, Round of 16 second leg matches scheduled on 19 March 2020; all UEFA Youth League, quarter-final matches scheduled on 17 and 18 March 2020.
“Further decisions on when these matches take place will be communicated in due course.
Good news
Giovanni Branchini, the agent of Wolves striker Patrick Cutrone, has revealed that his client is recovering well after contracting the coronavirus.
Forward Cutrone, who joined Wanderers last summer but who left on a loan deal for Fiorentina after not settling in England, tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
His partner, too, tested positive over in Italy, which has been by far the worst impacted country in Europe since the virus made its way to the continent from China.
Cutrone’s agent, though, has confirmed that the forward is on the mend having not suffered too badly.
He remains in isolation while he overcomes the virus.
“Patrick is better, he is at ease at home and will spend the necessary days to combat the virus,” Branchini told FirenzeViola.it.
“Thank God both he and his girlfriend are much better. They have never been really bad but have had a fever and are now getting better. We are heading towards a happy solution entirely.”
Get well soon
Nuno Espirito Santo admits Morgan Gibbs-White is struggling after his latest injury setback.
The latest twist to the youngster’s tortuous campaign came a couple of weeks ago when he was sidelined in an Under 23s match.
The Wolves youngster remains out - while the season is suspended - but Nuno gave the club website an update.
“Morgan’s getting better, but he’s not good,” the Portuguese head coach said.
“He’s had a season where there have been obstacles in terms of injuries and not being able to settle down, and perform in a continuous way, but we still have time.
“Hopefully he’s not going to be out for long and he will be able to join the group and keep on helping us.”
The 20-year-old has had to contend with a lingering back injury that has seen him miss a huge chunk of the season.
He started his first game in 2020 during the Europa League second leg trip to Espanyol, playing just over an hour as Wolves were beaten 3-2.
That was just his 13th appearance in all competitions, as injuries and loss of form have curtailed the exciting start to his senior career.
So in order to continue building up his match fitness, Gibbs-White started the U23 fixture against Tottenham at Stevenage earlier this month - only for another mishap.
He was taken off with an injury in the first half of the game at Stevenage’s stadium, a match Wolves would go on to lose 3-2.
He will be hoping the current hiatus gives him the chance to make a lasting recovery.


birminghammail--2020-03-17--EFL issue statement that affects Blues as big FFP claim made

Birmingham City ’ s first team are continuing to train despite the suspension of all Championship fixtures until early April .
Pep Clotet ’ s squad will be at the Trillion Trophy Training Centre as normal this week although their next scheduled game is not until April 4 .
Whether that trip to Fulham goes the same way as Saturday ’ s cancelled appointment with West Bromwich Albion and this week ’ s home matches with Hull and Huddersfield remains to be seen .
But for now Blues ’ senior players are still working at a time when other clubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s , have been sent away to train on their own .
However , access to the Wast Hills facility is extremely limited with only first team and essential support staff granted permission to go into the main building .
The first team depart by lunch-time after which the Under 23s and Birmingham City women squads train with the squads being kept apart .
Everyone is screened , with measures including temperature readings , before being allowed in .
The EFL are scheduled to meet this week and the club are constantly monitoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hour .
Leeds have taken the view that players will be safer in the controlled environment of Thorp Arch , with a cleaning team in operation at all times .
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has suggested one of the unexpected consequences of the coronavirus pandemic could be the suspension of Financial Fair Play regulations .
Speaking on the Price of Football podcast Maguire believes the current unprecedented situation could lead to the loss of important revenue streams for clubs up and down football ’ s pyramid .
The cancellation of matches would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where income from television is considerably less than in the Premier League .
And Maguire points out that is going to have repercussions on how clubs fare with their Profitability & Sustainability calculations , which under normal circumstances dictate losses of no greater than £13million a year or £39m over a three year period .
He says that won ’ t help the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Derby who have existing EFL charges hanging over them .
Both are related to the sale of their ground , though are not identical cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Birmingham City , could be given leeway for the 2019/2020 campaign and an accounting period in which Blues had to sell Che Adams .
“ I think for the likes of Sheffield Wednesday , Derby , Macclesfield and Southend , who have financial issues , or have had charges levelled at them prior to the rise of the virus in the UK – I think those cases will continue , ” Maguire said .
“ I would expect an emergency general meeting of EFL owners to take place and at that meeting they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considerations for 2019/20 , because we are living in exceptional times and these are exceptional circumstances . ''
More from Kieran here .
The EFL have refused to comment on rumours surrounding the rest of the 2019/2020 campaign - but will meet later this week to discuss the coronavirus pandemic .
Over the weekend there were numerous reports as to what might happen to the nine games left in Birmingham City ’ s calendar .
Some suggested a freezing of the current league table , others postponement until it is deemed appropriate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16th in the table , eight points off the bottom three and nine points from the play-offs .
And today the governing body have issued a statement outlining their approach to the situation .
“ The health and well-being of EFL staff , players , Club employees and supporters is of paramount importance and will be key to the decisions made by football during what is clearly an unprecedented situation facing our game .
“ It is with that in the forefront of the League ’ s mind that it notes the intense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , national and international media over the weekend .
“ Whilst the League and its Board understand there is a strong desire from both the media and general public to understand what may happen next , there have , at this current time , been no decisions taken .
“ The League also feels it inappropriate to respond to the many hypothetical solutions being suggested whilst the many unknowns remain .
“ Given the fast paced environment and parameters we are currently working within , it is simply not practical to give a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ In the immediate short term we will continue with our contingency planning to deal with the implications the outbreak of Covid-19 has presented the EFL and its Clubs , in addition to liaising with the Government , health authorities and football partners .
“ A further update will be given once the EFL Board has met this week . ''
The 26-year-old has not played since being carried off at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium in the 2-2 draw with Queen ’ s Park Rangers on February 29 .
That prevented him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Leicester , which he watched from the King Power away end – as well as the loss to Reading last time out .
But head coach Pep Clotet is positive the end of the comeback trail is in sight .
“ He is possibly on the latest stage and not far – it ’ s difficult for me to quantify it because he hasn ’ t been on the pitch yet .
But it is not going to be long , ” the head coach said .
Indeed Blues are aiming to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Fulham on April 4 – the next scheduled game , although that match must also be in doubt .
The postponement of Saturday ’ s trip to West Bromwich Albion was the first of three which also include this week ’ s home matches with Hull and Huddersfield .
Bela would not have been ready to feature in any of those but the international break would have given him opportunity to fine tune his recovery .
The French star has been a superb mid-season signing for Blues , joining on a free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his contract with Albacete .
He has scored four goals and laid on seven assists in his 24 games since signing a three-year deal .
Other injured players are Jacques Maghoma who is still rehabilitating his quad injury and Josh McEachran who is out long term after suffering knee ligament damage .

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Keeping Right On
Birmingham City’s first team are continuing to train despite the suspension of all Championship fixtures until early April.
Pep Clotet’s squad will be at the Trillion Trophy Training Centre as normal this week although their next scheduled game is not until April 4.
Whether that trip to Fulham goes the same way as Saturday’s cancelled appointment with West Bromwich Albion and this week’s home matches with Hull and Huddersfield remains to be seen.
But for now Blues ’ senior players are still working at a time when other clubs’, such as Bristol City’s, have been sent away to train on their own.
However, access to the Wast Hills facility is extremely limited with only first team and essential support staff granted permission to go into the main building.
The first team depart by lunch-time after which the Under 23s and Birmingham City women squads train with the squads being kept apart.
Everyone is screened, with measures including temperature readings, before being allowed in.
The EFL are scheduled to meet this week and the club are constantly monitoring the situation which could change by the hour.
Leeds have taken the view that players will be safer in the controlled environment of Thorp Arch, with a cleaning team in operation at all times.
FFP claim
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has suggested one of the unexpected consequences of the coronavirus pandemic could be the suspension of Financial Fair Play regulations.
Speaking on the Price of Football podcast Maguire believes the current unprecedented situation could lead to the loss of important revenue streams for clubs up and down football’s pyramid.
The cancellation of matches would be particularly hard felt in the EFL where income from television is considerably less than in the Premier League.
And Maguire points out that is going to have repercussions on how clubs fare with their Profitability & Sustainability calculations, which under normal circumstances dictate losses of no greater than £13million a year or £39m over a three year period.
He says that won’t help the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Derby who have existing EFL charges hanging over them.
Both are related to the sale of their ground, though are not identical cases.
But the whole Championship, including Birmingham City, could be given leeway for the 2019/2020 campaign and an accounting period in which Blues had to sell Che Adams.
“I think for the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Derby, Macclesfield and Southend, who have financial issues, or have had charges levelled at them prior to the rise of the virus in the UK – I think those cases will continue,” Maguire said.
“I would expect an emergency general meeting of EFL owners to take place and at that meeting they will agree to suspend Financial Fair Play considerations for 2019/20, because we are living in exceptional times and these are exceptional circumstances."
More from Kieran here.
Virus latest
The EFL have refused to comment on rumours surrounding the rest of the 2019/2020 campaign - but will meet later this week to discuss the coronavirus pandemic.
Over the weekend there were numerous reports as to what might happen to the nine games left in Birmingham City’s calendar.
Some suggested a freezing of the current league table, others postponement until it is deemed appropriate to finish the season.
Blues are currently 16th in the table, eight points off the bottom three and nine points from the play-offs.
And today the governing body have issued a statement outlining their approach to the situation.
It reads:
“The health and well-being of EFL staff, players, Club employees and supporters is of paramount importance and will be key to the decisions made by football during what is clearly an unprecedented situation facing our game.
“It is with that in the forefront of the League’s mind that it notes the intense speculation that has appeared across the local, national and international media over the weekend.
“Whilst the League and its Board understand there is a strong desire from both the media and general public to understand what may happen next, there have, at this current time, been no decisions taken.
“The League also feels it inappropriate to respond to the many hypothetical solutions being suggested whilst the many unknowns remain.
“Given the fast paced environment and parameters we are currently working within, it is simply not practical to give a running commentary on what may happen.
“In the immediate short term we will continue with our contingency planning to deal with the implications the outbreak of Covid-19 has presented the EFL and its Clubs, in addition to liaising with the Government, health authorities and football partners.
“A further update will be given once the EFL Board has met this week."
Bela update
Birmingham City star Jeremie Bela is nearing a return to training.
The 26-year-old has not played since being carried off at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium in the 2-2 draw with Queen’s Park Rangers on February 29.
That prevented him from appearing in the FA Cup tie at Leicester, which he watched from the King Power away end – as well as the loss to Reading last time out.
But head coach Pep Clotet is positive the end of the comeback trail is in sight.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
“He is possibly on the latest stage and not far – it’s difficult for me to quantify it because he hasn’t been on the pitch yet. But it is not going to be long,” the head coach said.
Indeed Blues are aiming to have the winger available for the trip to Fulham on April 4 – the next scheduled game, although that match must also be in doubt.
The postponement of Saturday’s trip to West Bromwich Albion was the first of three which also include this week’s home matches with Hull and Huddersfield.
Bela would not have been ready to feature in any of those but the international break would have given him opportunity to fine tune his recovery.
The French star has been a superb mid-season signing for Blues, joining on a free transfer in November after negotiating his release from his contract with Albacete.
He has scored four goals and laid on seven assists in his 24 games since signing a three-year deal.
Other injured players are Jacques Maghoma who is still rehabilitating his quad injury and Josh McEachran who is out long term after suffering knee ligament damage.


birminghammail--2020-03-17--Aston Villa news and transfer rumours live

Hello and welcome to Tuesday 's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive .
Aston Villa vs Chelsea was meant to @ @ @ @ @ but after one of the most unprecedented moves in recent history was confirmed , the @ @ @ @ @ .
As the coronavirus continues to spread both across the UK and Europe , leagues @ @ @ @ @ action .
Serie A , La Liga and MLS are just a few examples that @ @ @ @ @ before English football followed suit on Friday .
Games will be suspended until April 3 @ @ @ @ @ meaning Villa 's next game could be the home one with Wolves on April 4 @ @ @ @ @ up to date on the latest developments surrounding the resumption of the league , as @ @ @ @ @ news and how COVID-19 is affecting fans .
So make sure you follow all the @ @ @ @ @ below ...

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Shane Ireland, Ben Husband)

Hello and welcome to Tuesday's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive.
It was another weekend without a fixture for Dean Smith's side as coronavirus continues to spread across the UK.
Games were initially suspended until April 4 but after a meeting between league bosses, it was announced last week football is suspended until the end of April.
We'll keep you up to date on the latest developments surrounding the resumption of the league, as well as any other Villa news, updates and transfer rumours - as well as how COVID-19 is affecting fans.
So make sure you follow all the action on today's blog below...


birminghammail--2020-03-17--How to pause your Sky Sports subscription until season returns

Sky have confirmed customers can pause their sports subscriptions as a result of the coronavirus severely limiting live coverage of sporting events .
The vast majority of events or fixtures usually broadcast by Sky have been cancelled or postponed because of the spread of the virus , also known as Covid-19 .
All Premier League and EFL matches are suspended until April and other sports such as cricket , rugby and Formula 1 have also been hit .
Sky initially said they would not refund customers who complained about missing out on their bumper sports packages .
But having come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the broadcaster has now announced customers can pause their subscriptions without charge .
A statement from Sky read : `` While we expect that many of the recently postponed sports events will eventually go ahead if you wish to pause your sports subscription in the meantime you will not be charged a fee to do so or be held to any notice period .
`` Meanwhile we continue to provide high-quality content across all of our 11 sports channels . ''
But customers are not currently able to do so online , instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company added : `` We are sorry that you are currently unable to pause your Sky Sports subscription online . ''
Aston Villa vs Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion vs Birmingham City were both supposed to be shown on Sky Sports on Saturday before it was confirmed all matches were postponed .

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Sky have confirmed customers can pause their sports subscriptions as a result of the coronavirus severely limiting live coverage of sporting events.
The vast majority of events or fixtures usually broadcast by Sky have been cancelled or postponed because of the spread of the virus, also known as Covid-19.
All Premier League and EFL matches are suspended indefinitely and other sports such as cricket, rugby and Formula 1 have also been hit.
Sky initially said they would not refund customers who complained about missing out on their bumper sports packages.
But having come under increasing pressure to take action, the broadcaster announced customers can pause their subscriptions without charge.
A statement from Sky read: "While we expect that many of the recently postponed sports events will eventually go ahead if you wish to pause your sports subscription in the meantime you will not be charged a fee to do so or be held to any notice period.
"Meanwhile we continue to provide high-quality content across all of our 11 sports channels."
Here’s how:
1. Go to: https://www.sky.com/pausesports or call 0800 151 2747
2. Log in to your Sky account.
3. Follow the steps to pause your Sky Sports subscription.
4. Do nothing – Sky will automatically renew your account once live sport resumes on TV.
Aston Villa, Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion and Wolves have all been shown on Sky this season.


birminghammail--2020-03-17--Manchester United issue statement on UEFA plans affecting Wolves

Wolverhampton Wanderers ’ Premier League and Europa League rivals Manchester United have issued a statement in response to UEFA ’ s decision to postpone Euro 2020 .
The European Championships , which were scheduled to take place this summer , have been pushed back to 2021 as a result of the coronavirus outbreak .
It means there is a summer window for European leagues and continental competitions to be completed if fixtures are able to resume .
United , like Wolves , have their eye on making the Europa League final which was rescheduled for the end of June .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead 5-0 from the first leg of their last 16 tie against LASK Linz while Nuno Espirito Santo ’ s men claimed a 1-1 draw at Olympiakos .
In a statement following the decision to push the Euros back a year , United said : `` We note the decision to postpone Uefa Euro 2020 to hopefully allow domestic and European competitions to come to a conclusion as a priority .
`` Clearly coronavirus has created an unprecedented set of circumstances and the health and well-being of fans , players and staff has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play an active role in discussions through Uefa , the ECA and the Premier League and we will monitor developments closely.
” UEFA also today ( Tuesday ) outlined their intention for the 2019/20 season to be wrapped up the end of June .
But they added that ambition was dependent on the coronavirus situation improving and 'resuming playing ( being ) appropriate and prudent enough . '

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Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Premier League and Europa League rivals Manchester United have issued a statement in response to UEFA’s decision to postpone Euro 2020.
The European Championships, which were scheduled to take place this summer, have been pushed back to 2021 as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
It means there is a summer window for European leagues and continental competitions to be completed if fixtures are able to resume.
United, like Wolves, have their eye on making the Europa League final which was rescheduled for the end of June.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side currently lead 5-0 from the first leg of their last 16 tie against LASK Linz while Nuno Espirito Santo’s men claimed a 1-1 draw at Olympiakos.
In a statement following the decision to push the Euros back a year, United said: "We note the decision to postpone Uefa Euro 2020 to hopefully allow domestic and European competitions to come to a conclusion as a priority.
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"Clearly coronavirus has created an unprecedented set of circumstances and the health and well-being of fans, players and staff has to come first. We will continue to play an active role in discussions through Uefa, the ECA and the Premier League and we will monitor developments closely.”
UEFA also today (Tuesday) outlined their intention for the 2019/20 season to be wrapped up the end of June.
But they added that ambition was dependent on the coronavirus situation improving and 'resuming playing (being) appropriate and prudent enough.'


birminghammail--2020-03-17--McDonald's to close restaurants and turn them into takeaways

Fast food chain McDonald 's is to close all of its seating areas in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus .
From 5am tomorrow morning ( Wednesday March 18 ) , it will only be giving customers the option of using a drive-thru , takeaway or delivery .
Te restaurant group tweeted : `` In light of recent updates from UK and Irish governments , we are temporarily changing our operations to ensure the wellbeing of our employees and customers . ''
It continued : `` From 5am on Wednesday March 18 , all restaurants will close seating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , drive thru and McDelvery only .
`` With immediate effect , all our Drive Thrus and all McDelivery orders via Uber Eats and Just Eat , will be contact-free with no physical contact between customers , employees and couriers wherever possible .
`` In these unprecedented times , our restaurants will continue to remain open for as long as it is safe to do so .
Thank you once again for your support in keeping one another safe . ''
McDonald 's UK and Ireland boss Paul Pomroy said : `` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suppliers remains of the greatest importance to us and these changes are designed with you all in mind .
`` We have not taken this decision lightly and will continue to review this over the coming days . ''
The company last week announced it would be enhancing its cleaning regimes at its restaurants in order to help reduce the spread of Covid-19 .
That included more sanitising of surfaces and its touch-screen ordering tablets , cleaning more regularly using disinfectants , and reminding employees of the importance of constant hand-washing .

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Fast food chain McDonald's is to close all of its seating areas in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus.
From 5am tomorrow morning (Wednesday March 18), it will only be giving customers the option of using a drive-thru, takeaway or delivery.
Te restaurant group tweeted: "In light of recent updates from UK and Irish governments, we are temporarily changing our operations to ensure the wellbeing of our employees and customers."
It continued: "From 5am on Wednesday March 18, all restaurants will close seating areas and temporarily move to being takeaway, drive thru and McDelvery only.
"With immediate effect, all our Drive Thrus and all McDelivery orders via Uber Eats and Just Eat, will be contact-free with no physical contact between customers, employees and couriers wherever possible.
"In these unprecedented times, our restaurants will continue to remain open for as long as it is safe to do so. Thank you once again for your support in keeping one another safe."
McDonald's UK and Ireland boss Paul Pomroy said: "The wellbeing of our employees, customers and suppliers remains of the greatest importance to us and these changes are designed with you all in mind.
"We have not taken this decision lightly and will continue to review this over the coming days."
The company last week announced it would be enhancing its cleaning regimes at its restaurants in order to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.
That included more sanitising of surfaces and its touch-screen ordering tablets, cleaning more regularly using disinfectants, and reminding employees of the importance of constant hand-washing.