birminghammail--2020-03-24--The story of Villa Park's worst ever hooliganism in Rangers friendly

'Sick Saturday ' marked the day when Villa Park and Birmingham city centre suffered some of the worst scenes of football hooliganism ever witnessed on this patch .
It occurred during a so called ‘ friendly ’ match between Aston Villa and Rangers on Saturday , October 9 1976 which had to be abandoned on 53 minutes when crowd trouble erupted .
Using the Sports Argus and Sunday Mercury reports from that weekend , football editor Mat Kendrick looks back at what gave the infamous day its grizzly monicker .
“ I watched as a young fan was knocked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ten assailants on the Villa Park pitch .
It was the most sickening episode I saw in the midst of disgraceful scenes which caused the abandonment of the match between Aston Villa and Glasgow Rangers after 53 minutes.
” Reporter Geoff Beane sums up the events of October 9 1976 in the following day ’ s Sunday Mercury How the trouble was said to have started Scores of Rangers fans arrived on the night ’ s sleeper train from Glasgow which itself was delayed because of trouble en route .
Some fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began arriving at Villa Park as early as 3am .
Some offered £1.50 fare Daybreak Special offers for the 700-mile round journey .
Coaches had been ordered not to arrive at Villa Park until 60 minutes before kick off .
Most of the 50 coaches that made the trip were in Birmingham up to nine hours before that deadline .
This is your round up of all things Villa ; the one-stop shop that will keep you updated on the latest goings on at the club and beyond .
Transfers , injuries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest on the Villans throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our handy daily catch up ... • Pundit confirms what every Aston Villa fan already knows • The ready-made candidate to replace John Terry at Aston Villa For all your latest AVFC news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our Villa reporter Ashley Preece on Twitter , and his email address is ashley.preece @ reachplc.com According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Sunday Mercury , as soon as the off licences opened the fans bought whisky , champagne , wine and beer and began a debauch that terrorised hundreds and halted public transport for thousands .
Some fans were so drunk they could hardly stand .
One 15-year-old boy who had been drinking bottles of red wine collapsed unconscious .
Four hours before the kick off two teenage Rangers fans had already appeared in Birmingham Magistrates Court and been fined £135 for using threatening words and behaviour .
Chief superintendent Colin Sutton , head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the major factor .
They had been drinking most of the day - wine , spirits , beer and even champagne.
” There were some incidents during the first half as Villa led 1-0 through a Dennis Mortimer goal , but it was at half-time when trouble flared with hundreds of Rangers fans on the Holte End .
At the interval , supporters at the back of the Holte End surged towards the front forcing frightened supporters to spill onto the pitch .
By that stage some injured fans were being carried clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kicked off by the time the field was cleared and all fans returned to the terraces .
On the Holte End bricks , stones and bottles were thrown by yobs completely ignoring the game .
When Frank Carrodus put Villa 2-0 up at that end of the ground on 52 minutes , the violence erupted .
The goal sparked another surge as missiles were launched .
It is estimated that more than 200 Rangers fans invaded the pitch and running battles broke out on the field with some Villa fans joining the fighting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayhem .
In order to escape the pitch invasion Villa boss Ron Saunders and Rangers counterpart Jock Wallace waved their players back to the dressing rooms and both teams ran towards the tunnel .
Great Barr referee Derek Civil abandoned the game in the interests of safety .
Police were given emergency powers to open the gates and turnstiles to allow frightened fans to flee the ground and a loud speaker announcement was made to clear Villa Park and the vicinity of the stadium .
Edna Thorpe , of Station Road , Aston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have lived here all my life but never have I seen anything like this .
They were behaving like wild animals , fighting and running riot all over the place .
I was petrified and just didn ’ t know what to do.
” Over 70 people were injured at the match , 18 seriously .
Several fans including girls were treated for severe cuts and head injuries from missiles .
Two had stab wounds and more had suspected broken bones .
Several fell and four were taken to hospital - one with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Ambulance men treated the injured .
First aid rooms overflowed .
Eighteen people were ferried by ambulance to Birmingham General and Dudley Road hospitals .
The streets around the ground looked like the aftermath of a pitched battle with bodies lying in the road , on the pavements and littered about nearby car parks .
Alfred Eggington , division superintendent in charge of the St John Ambulance first aid unit : “ I have never seen anything like it in over 30 years of nursing .
I was on duty for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing compared to this.
” At the height of the battle , 130 police were deployed at Villa Park .
Ninety extra officers had been drafted into the city to cope with the trouble .
At the ground police confiscated cans and bottles .
Police made 50 arrests during the day When the violence broke out inside the ground , police with crash helmets were involved in up to five minutes of fighting to clear the ground .
Dog handlers emerged from the Witton End to force fans back and when some semblance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park police lined the track .
Away from the ground mounted police chased troublemakers through the streets .
The hooliganism was not just contained to Villa Park and the surrounding areas .
It also spread to Birmingham city centre .
Some well-behaved fans went ahead of the mob and pleaded with city centre shopkeepers “ please close your shops , they are behaving like animals ” A spokesman for Peter Dominic shop in Priory Ringway said : “ These lads came in to buy drinks and we sold it to them .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Our business was quite a lot higher than most Saturdays.
” But an angry Birmingham shopkeeper fumed : “ Trade is bad enough without the busiest day of the week being plagued by hooliganism .
Why Aston Villa felt it necessary to fix up this match , which meant importing Scottish rowdies , is beyond us.
” Eight buses were vandalised with windows smashed and in once case a roof damaged .
West Midlands Passenger Transport stopped buses running on nine routes which ran towards the ground leaving lots of Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A mob of fans pelted shoppers with bread after snatching a basket of rolls in a subway .
One woman and her 17-year-old daughter had their hair pulled and milk showered over them by a mob in the Bull Ring .
Most of the public houses and bars in the city centre closed their doors .
Teddy ’ s , the city centre pub , was cleared by police after 150 fans started hurling glasses in a bar brawl .
The front door of the Red Lion pub in Lichfield Road , Aston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while other pubs were also vandalised .
Michael Evans , landlord of the Golden Cross at Aston Cross , Aston , said : “ I have never been more terrified in my life .
They went berserk .
The language they used was vile , they grabbed bottles from the shelves , wouldn ’ t pay for drinks and ripped down the curtains.
” What the respective clubs and the sporting authorities had to say Alan Bennett , Aston Villa club secretary : “ It is our job to arrange attractive football matches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have done that today .
Aston Villa and Rangers are two of the oldest football clubs in Britain and this is the first time they have played each other for 90 years.
” Aston Villa chairman Sir William Dugdale : “ I don ’ t regret it ( staging the match ) at all .
What I do regret is all the trouble.
” Rangers vice chairman Willie Waddell : “ I am disgusted .
When that happens your guts fall down to your knees and your tongue just closes up .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is a bloody tragedy.
” Sports minister Dennis Howell , a spectactor at the game , having telephoned the home secretary who immediately ordered an inquiry into the violent scenes , said : “ I found it absolutely appalling .
It is impossible to be too strong about the disgraceful behaviour which I was unfortunate enough to witness.
” As for the football ...
Here under the headline ‘ ... Villa so superior ’ is the part of the Sunday Mercury report which focused on the football , rather than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot happier before the 53rd minute abandonment as Villa - even without Andy Gray and Chris Nicholl - turned in a sharp , tactically superior game .
It was Dennis Mortimer who got Villa ’ s first on 29 minutes when he finished off a sweet , swift and incisive move .
Alex Cropley began it when he chipped the ball out to Leighton Phillips who had pushed forward on the left .
Phillips saw the gap in the Rangers ’ defence , knocked the ball through to where Mortimer raced in and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 52nd minute a Ray Graydon corner was nodded back by John Deehan to Carrodus who turned and banged a left volley volley into the corner of the net .
Here are some of the headlines and other phrases used to describe the violence in the Sports Argus on Saturday October 9 and Sunday Mercury on Sunday , October 10 , 1976 All day in Birmingham it was sick Saturday Our story about the worst ever violence at Villa Park has proved to be a big talking point among football fans online .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have received from you about that day ...
I was a St John 's Ambulance Cadet at the time .
The cadets were invited along `` just in case '' , and often sat through the whole match .
Not that day .
Ten minutes after start of play we were called back to the First Aid room .
It is not an exaggeration to say it resembled a war zone .
I looked after a man who 'd been punched in the nose , he was drunk and had a nosebleed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cigarette .
I looked after a man who 'd been stabbed in the side .
He did n't feel the stab , only realised when he felt wetness on his shirt , it was blood .
I remember four police officers holding up an officers that had been attacked .
The ambulances were backwards and forwards to the hospital .
We abandoned keeping a record of all the injured , too many people needing looking after ... .and we 'd run out of room in the book .
It was n't until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we knew that the match had been called on during the second half .
My overriding memory of that day was standing next to a lovely lady from Glasgow who said to me `` please do n't judge all of Glasgow by what has happened today '' .
And I never did .
It was n't pleasant , I remember getting into the Holte End and a Rangers fan wanted to exchange scarves , I declined his kind offer .
Then a fellow Villan , said to me , ' I think we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looked up to the top of the Holte to see a mass of Rangers scarves .
OMG I thought , do n't fancy this at all .
Then I saw my mate on the track alongside the pitch .
I joined him and off we went escorted by the Police to the old Witton End .
The match itself was looking good for Villa and we took the lead , Deehan scored if I remember right .
Then just into the second half we scored again , ca n't remember who scored off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all hell let loose , match abandoned .
I was there with my dad Ken Binks on his birthday .
We got okay apart from a slight twist to my dads knee .
My late mom and my brother was stuck in town as the buses got took off .
I remember that my dad would not let me go , I wonder why Was there that day .
We had to stand on the old Witton Lane end as Rangers fans were in the Holte End .
Their fans were drunk before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kick at the double decker bus we were on .
There were reports that coaches were dropping fans off in the city centre at 2am in the morning .
I was at the match but managed to avoid getting hurt .
As a 16-year-old I had been to many home games from the age of five with my father and never saw anything as savage as that day .

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'Sick Saturday' marked the day when Villa Park and Birmingham city centre suffered some of the worst scenes of football hooliganism ever witnessed on this patch.
It occurred during a so called ‘friendly’ match between Aston Villa and Rangers on Saturday, October 9 1976 which had to be abandoned on 53 minutes when crowd trouble erupted.
Using the Sports Argus and Sunday Mercury reports from that weekend, football editor Mat Kendrick looks back at what gave the infamous day its grizzly monicker.
Eye witness account
“I watched as a young fan was knocked to the ground and kicked unconscious by up to ten assailants on the Villa Park pitch.
It was the most sickening episode I saw in the midst of disgraceful scenes which caused the abandonment of the match between Aston Villa and Glasgow Rangers after 53 minutes.”
Reporter Geoff Beane sums up the events of October 9 1976 in the following day’s Sunday Mercury
How the trouble was said to have started
Scores of Rangers fans arrived on the night’s sleeper train from Glasgow which itself was delayed because of trouble en route. Some fans were thrown off at Wigan.
Coaches began arriving at Villa Park as early as 3am. Some offered £1.50 fare Daybreak Special offers for the 700-mile round journey.
Police complained to road traffic commissioners over coach company deadline-breaking.
Coaches had been ordered not to arrive at Villa Park until 60 minutes before kick off. Most of the 50 coaches that made the trip were in Birmingham up to nine hours before that deadline.
According to reports in the Sports Argus and the Sunday Mercury, as soon as the off licences opened the fans bought whisky, champagne, wine and beer and began a debauch that terrorised hundreds and halted public transport for thousands.
Some fans were so drunk they could hardly stand. One 15-year-old boy who had been drinking bottles of red wine collapsed unconscious.
Four hours before the kick off two teenage Rangers fans had already appeared in Birmingham Magistrates Court and been fined £135 for using threatening words and behaviour.
Chief superintendent Colin Sutton, head of Aston Division: “Drink was the major factor. They had been drinking most of the day - wine, spirits, beer and even champagne.”
Inside the ground
There were some incidents during the first half as Villa led 1-0 through a Dennis Mortimer goal, but it was at half-time when trouble flared with hundreds of Rangers fans on the Holte End.
At the interval, supporters at the back of the Holte End surged towards the front forcing frightened supporters to spill onto the pitch.
By that stage some injured fans were being carried clear on stretchers and the second half had kicked off by the time the field was cleared and all fans returned to the terraces.
On the Holte End bricks, stones and bottles were thrown by yobs completely ignoring the game.
When Frank Carrodus put Villa 2-0 up at that end of the ground on 52 minutes, the violence erupted.
The goal sparked another surge as missiles were launched.
It is estimated that more than 200 Rangers fans invaded the pitch and running battles broke out on the field with some Villa fans joining the fighting.
Two supporters were stabbed during the mayhem.
In order to escape the pitch invasion Villa boss Ron Saunders and Rangers counterpart Jock Wallace waved their players back to the dressing rooms and both teams ran towards the tunnel.
Great Barr referee Derek Civil abandoned the game in the interests of safety.
Police were given emergency powers to open the gates and turnstiles to allow frightened fans to flee the ground and a loud speaker announcement was made to clear Villa Park and the vicinity of the stadium.
Edna Thorpe, of Station Road, Aston, near the ground: “I have lived here all my life but never have I seen anything like this. They were behaving like wild animals, fighting and running riot all over the place. I was petrified and just didn’t know what to do.”
Injuries
Over 70 people were injured at the match, 18 seriously.
Several fans including girls were treated for severe cuts and head injuries from missiles.
Two had stab wounds and more had suspected broken bones.
Thirty police were injured.
Several fell and four were taken to hospital - one with a suspected fractured skull.
Thirty St John Ambulance men treated the injured. First aid rooms overflowed. Eighteen people were ferried by ambulance to Birmingham General and Dudley Road hospitals.
The streets around the ground looked like the aftermath of a pitched battle with bodies lying in the road, on the pavements and littered about nearby car parks.
Alfred Eggington, division superintendent in charge of the St John Ambulance first aid unit: “I have never seen anything like it in over 30 years of nursing. I was on duty for the Bay City Rollers concert and it was nothing compared to this.”
Police presence and action
At the height of the battle, 130 police were deployed at Villa Park. Ninety extra officers had been drafted into the city to cope with the trouble.
At the ground police confiscated cans and bottles. Police made 50 arrests during the day
When the violence broke out inside the ground, police with crash helmets were involved in up to five minutes of fighting to clear the ground.
Dog handlers emerged from the Witton End to force fans back and when some semblance of order had been restored at Villa Park police lined the track.
Away from the ground mounted police chased troublemakers through the streets.
Around the city
The hooliganism was not just contained to Villa Park and the surrounding areas. It also spread to Birmingham city centre.
Some well-behaved fans went ahead of the mob and pleaded with city centre shopkeepers “please close your shops, they are behaving like animals”
A spokesman for Peter Dominic shop in Priory Ringway said: “These lads came in to buy drinks and we sold it to them. They caused no trouble (in the shop). Our business was quite a lot higher than most Saturdays.”
But an angry Birmingham shopkeeper fumed: “Trade is bad enough without the busiest day of the week being plagued by hooliganism. Why Aston Villa felt it necessary to fix up this match, which meant importing Scottish rowdies, is beyond us.”
Eight buses were vandalised with windows smashed and in once case a roof damaged.
West Midlands Passenger Transport stopped buses running on nine routes which ran towards the ground leaving lots of Saturday shoppers stranded in the city centre.
A mob of fans pelted shoppers with bread after snatching a basket of rolls in a subway.
One woman and her 17-year-old daughter had their hair pulled and milk showered over them by a mob in the Bull Ring.
Most of the public houses and bars in the city centre closed their doors.
Teddy’s, the city centre pub, was cleared by police after 150 fans started hurling glasses in a bar brawl.
The front door of the Red Lion pub in Lichfield Road, Aston, was ripped off its hinges, while other pubs were also vandalised.
Michael Evans, landlord of the Golden Cross at Aston Cross, Aston, said: “I have never been more terrified in my life. They went berserk. The language they used was vile, they grabbed bottles from the shelves, wouldn’t pay for drinks and ripped down the curtains.”
What the respective clubs and the sporting authorities had to say
Alan Bennett, Aston Villa club secretary: “It is our job to arrange attractive football matches for the public and I think we have done that today. Aston Villa and Rangers are two of the oldest football clubs in Britain and this is the first time they have played each other for 90 years.”
Aston Villa chairman Sir William Dugdale: “I don’t regret it (staging the match) at all. What I do regret is all the trouble.”
Rangers vice chairman Willie Waddell: “I am disgusted. When that happens your guts fall down to your knees and your tongue just closes up. It is the louts that are killing us. It is a bloody tragedy.”
Sports minister Dennis Howell, a spectactor at the game, having telephoned the home secretary who immediately ordered an inquiry into the violent scenes, said: “I found it absolutely appalling. It is impossible to be too strong about the disgraceful behaviour which I was unfortunate enough to witness.”
As for the football...
Here under the headline ‘...Villa so superior’ is the part of the Sunday Mercury report which focused on the football, rather than the violence
Aston Villa 2 Rangers 0 (Match abandoned after 53 minutes)
Ron Saunders must have been a lot happier before the 53rd minute abandonment as Villa - even without Andy Gray and Chris Nicholl - turned in a sharp, tactically superior game. It was Dennis Mortimer who got Villa’s first on 29 minutes when he finished off a sweet, swift and incisive move.
Alex Cropley began it when he chipped the ball out to Leighton Phillips who had pushed forward on the left. Phillips saw the gap in the Rangers’ defence, knocked the ball through to where Mortimer raced in and swept the ball past Kennedy.
In the 52nd minute a Ray Graydon corner was nodded back by John Deehan to Carrodus who turned and banged a left volley volley into the corner of the net.
Headlines
Here are some of the headlines and other phrases used to describe the violence in the Sports Argus on Saturday October 9 and Sunday Mercury on Sunday, October 10, 1976
ABANDONED Fan riots rock Brum
Villa, Rangers players run for their lives
Attraction that became warfare
THE RAVAGERS
Drunken soccer mobs riot, terrorise a city
Birmingham a city under siege
The gruesome Battle of Villa Park
Mob frenzy at Villa Park
All day in Birmingham it was sick Saturday
It reached a sickening crescendo of violence
Birmingham’s day of Tartan terror
Holte End was a seething mass of violence.
Our story about the worst ever violence at Villa Park has proved to be a big talking point among football fans online.
Your memories
Here are a selection of the responses we have received from you about that day...
Angela Fisher Was Jones
I was a St John's Ambulance Cadet at the time. The cadets were invited along "just in case", and often sat through the whole match. Not that day. Ten minutes after start of play we were called back to the First Aid room.
It is not an exaggeration to say it resembled a war zone. I looked after a man who'd been punched in the nose, he was drunk and had a nosebleed and wouldn't stop trying to light a cigarette. I looked after a man who'd been stabbed in the side. He didn't feel the stab, only realised when he felt wetness on his shirt, it was blood. I remember four police officers holding up an officers that had been attacked.
The ambulances were backwards and forwards to the hospital. We abandoned keeping a record of all the injured, too many people needing looking after....and we'd run out of room in the book. It wasn't until long after the official finishing time that we knew that the match had been called on during the second half.
My overriding memory of that day was standing next to a lovely lady from Glasgow who said to me "please don't judge all of Glasgow by what has happened today". And I never did.
Richard French
It wasn't pleasant, I remember getting into the Holte End and a Rangers fan wanted to exchange scarves, I declined his kind offer. Then a fellow Villan, said to me, 'I think we should get out of here' I looked up to the top of the Holte to see a mass of Rangers scarves. OMG I thought, don't fancy this at all. Then I saw my mate on the track alongside the pitch.
I joined him and off we went escorted by the Police to the old Witton End. The match itself was looking good for Villa and we took the lead, Deehan scored if I remember right. Then just into the second half we scored again, can't remember who scored off the top of my head. Then all hell let loose, match abandoned.
Martin Binks
I was there with my dad Ken Binks on his birthday. We got okay apart from a slight twist to my dads knee. My late mom and my brother was stuck in town as the buses got took off.
Mickey Sheldon
I remember that my dad would not let me go, I wonder why
Kevin Mawby
Was there that day. We had to stand on the old Witton Lane end as Rangers fans were in the Holte End. Their fans were drunk before the game. One took a flying kick at the double decker bus we were on. There were reports that coaches were dropping fans off in the city centre at 2am in the morning.
John Brummie Winter
I was at the match but managed to avoid getting hurt. As a 16-year-old I had been to many home games from the age of five with my father and never saw anything as savage as that day.


birminghammail--2020-03-24--New factory to produce 1m hand sanitiser bottles a month from April

Chemicals giant Ineos is to build a hand sanitiser plant to produce one million bottles a month .
The company @ @ @ @ @ will be ready within 10 days , adding that products will be given to hospitals @ @ @ @ @ said it intends to produce both standard and the pocket bottle hand sanitisers , and @ @ @ @ @ outlets across Europe .
The company already manufactures a range of healthcare products , including @ @ @ @ @ drips , syringes , ventilators and medical tubing .
Sir Jim Ratcliffe , founder and @ @ @ @ @ : `` Ineos is a company with enormous resources and manufacturing skills .
`` If @ @ @ @ @ to help in the coronavirus battle , we are absolutely committed to playing our part @ @

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Chemicals giant Ineos is to build a hand sanitiser plant to produce one million bottles a month.
The company said the site near Middlesbrough will be ready within 10 days, adding that products will be given to hospitals free of charge.
Ineos said it intends to produce both standard and the pocket bottle hand sanitisers, and is already talking to retail outlets across Europe.
The company already manufactures a range of healthcare products, including rubber gloves, PVC saline drips, syringes, ventilators and medical tubing.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, founder and chairman of Ineos, said: "Ineos is a company with enormous resources and manufacturing skills.
"If we can find other ways to help in the coronavirus battle, we are absolutely committed to playing our part."


birminghammail--2020-03-24--Aston Villa goalkeeper Pepe Reina makes coronavirus admission

Aston Villa goalkeeper Pepe Reina has revealed he has had coronavirus symptoms .
The former Liverpool man admitted he had not been tested for the virus but speaking to El Partidazo of Cope , via Marca and Sport Witness , the 37-year-old described how he has had to self isolate to protect those around him .
He said : “ Last week it was my turn to go through the bug .
It has been a different week , of taking precautions not to infect the people who live with me .
“ Here tests are not conducted unless you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ state ] .
Speaking to the doctors , the symptoms I had were of it , without official confirmation of it but everything pointed to it .
“ We are very privileged people .
We have a big house , with a garden .
I think of the people who live in a 70m2 apartment with two children and for me they are people who are showing a lot of strength.
” With football suspended until at least April 30 the Spaniard says the pressure to complete the season must be put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back seat .
I don ’ t care much , really .
Everyone ’ s wellbeing goes above anything else .
“ I don ’ t know if we will play again this season .
We have to be careful when talking about dates or deadlines .
I understand that there are economic interests and a lot at stake , but as in any other sector .
“ There ’ s no point in playing without fans [ in the stadium ] .
People have to enjoy it .
We feel more fulfilled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is healthier and safer will be done .
”

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Aston Villa goalkeeper Pepe Reina has revealed he has had coronavirus symptoms.
The former Liverpool man admitted he had not been tested for the virus but speaking to El Partidazo of Cope, via Marca and Sport Witness, the 37-year-old described how he has had to self isolate to protect those around him.
He said: “Last week it was my turn to go through the bug. It has been a different week, of taking precautions not to infect the people who live with me.
“Here tests are not conducted unless you are [in a] very bad [state]. Speaking to the doctors, the symptoms I had were of it, without official confirmation of it but everything pointed to it.
“We are very privileged people. We have a big house, with a garden. I think of the people who live in a 70m2 apartment with two children and for me they are people who are showing a lot of strength.”
With football suspended until at least April 30 the Spaniard says the pressure to complete the season must be put in context. “Football takes a back seat. I don’t care much, really. Everyone’s wellbeing goes above anything else.
“I don’t know if we will play again this season. We have to be careful when talking about dates or deadlines. I understand that there are economic interests and a lot at stake, but as in any other sector.
“There’s no point in playing without fans [in the stadium]. People have to enjoy it. We feel more fulfilled with fans. Beyond that, whatever is healthier and safer will be done.”


birminghammail--2020-03-24--How to teach elderly to video call in coronavirus lockdown

Elderly people across Britain face coronavirus lockdowns and isolation , with 1.5million `` at risk '' Brits told by Boris Johnson to stay indoors for 12 weeks .
As millions face more time inside as part of self-isolation and social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic , people are turning to video-calling apps to stay in touch .
Elderly people may grow isolated and lonely amid the pandemic , with Covid-19 spreading across the country , claiming the lives of hundreds of Brits .
Here is a look at some of the best apps for getting in contact with friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the same room .
To video call a friend , you need to add their phone number to your address book .
Video Calling lets you video call your contacts using WhatsApp .
On Android , video calling is only available on Android 4.1+ .
If your phone 's operating system is n't supported , video calling wo n't be available to you .
• Open the chat with the contact you want to video call .
When someone video calls you , you 'll see an incoming WHATSAPP VIDEO CALL screen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to reply to decline the call with a quick message .
To switch from a video call to a voice call : • While on the video call , tap Video off , which will notify the contact you 're video calling .
• Once the contact turns their video off , the call will be switched to a voice call .
To switch from a voice call to a video call : • While on the voice call , tap Video call .
• The contact you 're voice calling will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video call and can accept or decline the switch .
Group Calling allows up to four participants to video call with each other using WhatsApp .
• Go to the group you want to video call .
• Search for or select the contacts you want to add to the call .
To make a group video call from the CALLS tab : • Go to the CALLS tab .
• Search for or select the contacts you want to add to the call .
To make a group video call from an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with one of the contacts you want to video call .
• Once the contact accepts the call , tap Add Participant .
• Search for or select another contact you want to add to the call .
If prompted , tap ADD .
Zoom is one of the most popular options , and allows you to start or join face-to-face video calls with up to 100 people .
It also has several handy features including screen-sharing , group messaging and the option to share photos , web and Google Drive , Dropbox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to download on both the Google Play Store and App Store .
You can use FaceTime over Wi-Fi or over mobile data on supported iOS or iPadOS devices .
Open the FaceTime app and sign in with your Apple ID .
You can also do this from Settings > FaceTime .
If you 're using an iPhone , FaceTime automatically registers your phone number .
To also register your email address on your iPhone , go to Settings > FaceTime > Use your Apple ID for FaceTime , and sign in with your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an iPad or iPod touch , register your email address by tapping Settings > FaceTime > Use your Apple ID for FaceTime , and sign in with your Apple ID .
o make a FaceTime call , you need the person 's phone number or registered email address .
There are a few ways to make a FaceTime call : • In the FaceTime app , tap the plus button and type the person 's phone number or email address .
Tap the number or address , then tap Audio or Video .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone number or email address saved in your Contacts , you can start typing their name and tap the name when it appears .
Then tap Audio or Video .
• You can also start a FaceTime video call from your iPhone during a phone call .
Tap the FaceTime icon in the Phone app to switch to FaceTime .
Skype is a great option to keep in contact with friends and family while working from home , but has been superseded by Microsoft Teams in terms of work use .
The app @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Store and Google Play Store .
It 's easy to get started with Skype .
All you need to do is :

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Elderly people across Britain face coronavirus lockdowns and isolation, with 1.5million "at risk" Brits told by Boris Johnson to stay indoors for 12 weeks.
As millions face more time inside as part of self-isolation and social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic, people are turning to video-calling apps to stay in touch.
Elderly people may grow isolated and lonely amid the pandemic, with Covid-19 spreading across the country, claiming the lives of hundreds of Brits.
Here is a look at some of the best apps for getting in contact with friends and family when you cannot be in the same room.
WhatsApp
To video call a friend, you need to add their phone number to your address book.
Video Calling lets you video call your contacts using WhatsApp. On Android, video calling is only available on Android 4.1+. If your phone's operating system isn't supported, video calling won't be available to you.
To place a video call:
Open the chat with the contact you want to video call. Tap Video call
Receiving a video call
When someone video calls you, you'll see an incoming WHATSAPP VIDEO CALL screen, where you can:
Swipe up to accept .
. Swipe up to decline .
. Swipe up to reply to decline the call with a quick message.
Switching between video and voice calls
To switch from a video call to a voice call:
While on the video call, tap Video off , which will notify the contact you're video calling. Once the contact turns their video off, the call will be switched to a voice call.
To switch from a voice call to a video call:
While on the voice call, tap Video call . The contact you're voice calling will see a request to switch to a video call and can accept or decline the switch.
Making a group video call
Group Calling allows up to four participants to video call with each other using WhatsApp.
To make a group video call from a group:
Go to the group you want to video call. Tap Group call . Search for or select the contacts you want to add to the call. Tap Video Call .
To make a group video call from the CALLS tab:
Go to the CALLS tab. Tap New call > New group call . Search for or select the contacts you want to add to the call. Tap Video Call .
To make a group video call from an individual chat:
Open the chat with one of the contacts you want to video call. Tap Video call . Once the contact accepts the call, tap Add Participant . Search for or select another contact you want to add to the call. If prompted, tap ADD .
Zoom
Zoom is one of the most popular options, and allows you to start or join face-to-face video calls with up to 100 people.
It also has several handy features including screen-sharing, group messaging and the option to share photos, web and Google Drive, Dropbox or Box files.
Zoom is free to download on both the Google Play Store and App Store.
FaceTime
You can use FaceTime over Wi-Fi or over mobile data on supported iOS or iPadOS devices.
Open the FaceTime app and sign in with your Apple ID. You can also do this from Settings > FaceTime.
If you're using an iPhone, FaceTime automatically registers your phone number. To also register your email address on your iPhone, go to Settings > FaceTime > Use your Apple ID for FaceTime, and sign in with your Apple ID.
If you're using an iPad or iPod touch, register your email address by tapping Settings > FaceTime > Use your Apple ID for FaceTime, and sign in with your Apple ID.
o make a FaceTime call, you need the person's phone number or registered email address. There are a few ways to make a FaceTime call:
In the FaceTime app, tap the plus button and type the person's phone number or email address. Tap the number or address, then tap Audio or Video.
If you have the person's phone number or email address saved in your Contacts, you can start typing their name and tap the name when it appears. Then tap Audio or Video.
You can also start a FaceTime video call from your iPhone during a phone call. Tap the FaceTime icon in the Phone app to switch to FaceTime.
Skype
Skype is a great option to keep in contact with friends and family while working from home, but has been superseded by Microsoft Teams in terms of work use.
The app is free to download from the App Store and Google Play Store.
It's easy to get started with Skype. All you need to do is:


birminghammail--2020-03-24--What the visiting supporters think about St Andrew's

Thousands of fans head to St Andrew 's every season to see if their side can take three points off Birmingham City in their own backyard .
For the hardcore fans , away days are what make the season and as such they are quick to formulate their opinions on the ground they are visiting .
Most fans will always compare the ground to their own home grounds , and the stadia they have recently visited .
They will also look at what might have changed at the ground since the last time they were there .
We have had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see what visiting fans think of St Andrew 's .
These views are written by away fans and cover everything from parking to the quality of the pies .
Here are a few excerpts from the reviews ...
The concourse was spacious and the ground does look impressive but they need to do something about the Main Stand to our left as it looks really old .
A really good day out especially with the result .
I would recommend a visit if your team plays there .
The ground is a decent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away end .
The Main Stand doesn ’ t look it has changed since my first visit in the early 80 ’ s , but the rest of the stadium is modern .
Birmingham is a good city to visit and with the German Market and the game , I enjoyed the weekend away .
`` My first away game since Barnsley returned to the Championship .
I refused to go to our first away game at Hillsborough , even though it 's only 15 miles away , because I wo n't pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
£15 for adults and £10 at St.Andrews is brilliant and I hope Barnsley reciprocate for the return fixture .
I 've been to St.Andrews three times before and seen three away wins .
`` We were patted down by stewards outside the ground .
We had no contact with stewards inside the ground , which was a pity because the idiot behind me spent all game hurling stupid abuse at the home fans who gather at the nearest corner to away fans .
Why City allow that group of about 100 home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans makes no sense to me .
We did n't try any refreshments , but there were big queues '' '' An average game in which we didn ’ t play too well .
There was a great atmosphere .
Sadly they ran out of pies !
The game ended 1-1 .
Getting away from the ground was awful !
`` It seemed like every road was shut off .
I was sat for 30 minutes and nothing moved .
`` Two ambulances couldn ’ t get through , absolutely ridiculous . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrews before , and from what I had heard about the great atmosphere and passionate fans .
It would be well worth the 2-3 hours up the M5 .
`` We decided to try and find a McDonald 's that our coach had driven past before parking up outside St Andrews so left the car park where fans were waiting for the turnstiles to open and turned left up the hill .
`` As one of our party was sporting a red and white scarf , this drew attention from the less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at us as we walked past the club shop , which in hindsight was n't the best idea .
Eventually , we decided to just return to the car park as we could n't find the McDonald 's and it was raining .
`` The atmosphere was a big let down on the day because of what I 'd been led to expect by other reports , but I 'll put that down to the poor game .
The 1,300 or so away supporters were creating most of the noise . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were rubbish and had limited chances whereas Birmingham had many chances only to be denied by our goalkeeper .
`` The atmosphere in the concourse was bouncing .
The Swansea fans were in fine voice singing songs .
The queues for beer and food were a bit long and they seemed short staffed behind the counter .
`` The stewards were quite strict .
Whenever the Swansea fans were having a laugh they would try shut it down .
There was a young boy on his fathers ' shoulders and he was singing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take him down .
`` However , in the seats , they did not make a fuss about consistent standing like there has been at other grounds I have attended .
I felt the atmosphere in the game was being created by the Swansea fans .
the Birmingham fans rarely made much noise which I was surprised about . ''
Richard Symonds is an Ipswich fan who visited earlier this year : '' This was going to be a trip down memory lane , I spent the last three years of my education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Birmingham but I had n't been to St Andrews for over 35 years , I used to go and watch Frank Worthington in his pomp .
The ground not surprisingly has changed enormously since I was last there , 3 stands have been completely rebuilt and it is now really quite smart and when the fans make some noise generates quite an atmosphere .
We sat in the Kop Stand which I used to stand in when it resembled an enormous dilapidated barn .
The weather was a bit wet and despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be in about row 14 or further back to keep dry . ''
`` I have always liked the mishmash of old and new at St Andrews .
It still has the feel of a proper stadium .
The away end fine , views good , leg room average but everyone stands so no problem ? ''
`` Having been to St Andrews before it still remains a missed opportunity to me with three sides of the ground decent and one old Main Stand looking tired and letting the ground down .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Birmingham has not addressed this to be honest as they could easily have a 40 thousand capacity ground to fill if they ever got back into the Premier League .
The away end was okay with decent views of the action from all the seats .
`` St Andrews is fine .
Aside from one old stand on one side , it is modern , but retains a traditional feel to it .
`` The game itself was a pretty dour 1-1 .
After getting an early lead , it became a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the game descended into a dull stalemate .
The atmosphere was disappointing .
The attendance was under 14,000 .
`` Our coaches were given a Police escort and treated us to a tour round half of Birmingham .
Once we were in the motorway , we made good progress , and it was actually quicker coming back than going down .
I would visit St Andrews again . ''
`` I just nipped into the Cricketers Arms pub which is next to Morrisons but it was full of home fans and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't stay for a drink .
Instead , I headed for the ground .
`` On approaching the turnstiles I was frisked by the Stewards who were friendly and sociable .
The facilities inside the ground were very good and clean .
I was very impressed with the stadium itself , and although the view was good I stood up for the whole of the game because the majority of our fans would not sit down , and the Stewards did n't intervene .
However , it did n't stop me from enjoying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brilliant day out .
It was trouble free .
I would definitely go back to St Andrews . ''
`` I travelled by train from London with my brother .
I had been before and used to live in Birmingham , so I knew my way to the ground .
It is clearly visible from the centre of Birmingham and therefore quite easy to find .
`` The small old main stand along one side continues to survive but St Andrews on the whole is a good ground .
`` It 's possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the away end .
The stewarding was hands-off and they had no problem with us standing for the whole match .
My only complaint is the fact that we had to queue for the whole of half-time to try and buy a pie and a pint , but even after 15 minutes we had n't got to the front of the queue so we gave up .
`` The game was awful from our perspective - we carried very little threat up front and Birmingham eased to a 3-0 win courtesy of some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chris Carpenter , an Oxford City fan who visited on 9/8/16 , wrote : '' We found a car park just up from the ground on Cattell Road at a church , cost a fiver .
`` I was quite impressed with the ground looks modern but not really having the cheap warehouse look of a lot of newer grounds .
The away end was easily found and with a proper search by the stewards we were in .
Inside there was plenty of room with a big wide concourse .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ okay , quite hot with the pastry on the bottom bit soggy .
Have to say they served a decent pint too . ''
`` St Andrews looks nice from the outside .
Entering through a gate surrounded by angry looking Brummies is n't great but nothing kicked off and they all turned out to be fine .
I got the usual search and entered the turnstile , the concourse was dull but very spacious considering how many of us there were .
`` The away end view is very good and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a small Main Stand to the left of us but the other three stands worthy of a lower Premier League club .
`` The atmosphere was pretty good .
I 'd heard about a new fan group starting for atmosphere by the Birmingham fans , I struggled to see where it was at first but I realised there was only one block standing opposite us and figured that was it .
They were visually impressive , jumping and bouncing , unfortunately I could n't hear them being so far away .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very average , a group of about 40 in the corner to our right hounded us the whole game , and we exchanged some funny banter with them . ''

Thousands of fans head to St Andrew's every season to see if their side can take three points off Birmingham City in their own backyard.
For the hardcore fans, away days are what make the season and as such they are quick to formulate their opinions on the ground they are visiting.
Most fans will always compare the ground to their own home grounds, and the stadia they have recently visited.
They will also look at what might have changed at the ground since the last time they were there.
We have had a look at Football Ground Guide to see what visiting fans think of St Andrew's.
These views are written by away fans and cover everything from parking to the quality of the pies.
Here are a few excerpts from the reviews over the last couple of years...
Justin Bentley visited in January 2022, he's a Peterborough fan
A proper old school ground, sad to see parts deemed unsafe especially as they were relatively new (90s) stands. Good view from the away end.
A good old fashioned ground and a proper club, sad to see what they are going through.
Alf Cullen visited in January 2022 as a Plymouth fan
The ground is quite impressive except for the main stand which looks a little out of place
Stadium update: Latest news on St Andrew's here
Alex, Reading
The concourse was spacious and the ground does look impressive but they need to do something about the Main Stand to our left as it looks really old.
A really good day out especially with the result. I would recommend a visit if your team plays there.
Mark Wardell, Millwall
The ground is a decent ground with a good view from the away end. The Main Stand doesn’t look it has changed since my first visit in the early 80’s, but the rest of the stadium is modern.
Birmingham is a good city to visit and with the German Market and the game, I enjoyed the weekend away.
Barnsley fan David Crossfield left a recent review of the ground:
"My first away game since Barnsley returned to the Championship. I refused to go to our first away game at Hillsborough, even though it's only 15 miles away, because I won't pay £39 to "enjoy" their facilities. £15 for adults and £10 at St.Andrews is brilliant and I hope Barnsley reciprocate for the return fixture. I've been to St.Andrews three times before and seen three away wins.
"We were patted down by stewards outside the ground. We had no contact with stewards inside the ground, which was a pity because the idiot behind me spent all game hurling stupid abuse at the home fans who gather at the nearest corner to away fans. Why City allow that group of about 100 home fans to stand there to goad away fans makes no sense to me. We didn't try any refreshments, but there were big queues"
Sheffield United fan Ian Tandy attended in April:
"An average game in which we didn’t play too well. There was a great atmosphere. Sadly they ran out of pies! The game ended 1-1. Getting away from the ground was awful!
"It seemed like every road was shut off. I was sat for 30 minutes and nothing moved.
"Two ambulances couldn’t get through, absolutely ridiculous."
Bristol City fan Adam Robinson wrote:
"I have never been to St Andrews before, and from what I had heard about the great atmosphere and passionate fans. It would be well worth the 2-3 hours up the M5.
"We decided to try and find a McDonald's that our coach had driven past before parking up outside St Andrews so left the car park where fans were waiting for the turnstiles to open and turned left up the hill.
"As one of our party was sporting a red and white scarf, this drew attention from the less than hospitable Brummies, with jeering and chanting at us as we walked past the club shop, which in hindsight wasn't the best idea. Eventually, we decided to just return to the car park as we couldn't find the McDonald's and it was raining.
"The atmosphere was a big let down on the day because of what I'd been led to expect by other reports, but I'll put that down to the poor game. The 1,300 or so away supporters were creating most of the noise."
Swansea fan Lewis wrote:
"The game was awfully poor. We were rubbish and had limited chances whereas Birmingham had many chances only to be denied by our goalkeeper.
"The atmosphere in the concourse was bouncing. The Swansea fans were in fine voice singing songs. The queues for beer and food were a bit long and they seemed short staffed behind the counter.
"The stewards were quite strict. Whenever the Swansea fans were having a laugh they would try shut it down. There was a young boy on his fathers' shoulders and he was singing and enjoying but the stewards made him take him down.
"However, in the seats, they did not make a fuss about consistent standing like there has been at other grounds I have attended. I felt the atmosphere in the game was being created by the Swansea fans. the Birmingham fans rarely made much noise which I was surprised about."
Richard Symonds is an Ipswich fan who visited earlier this year:
"This was going to be a trip down memory lane, I spent the last three years of my education and the first six years of employment in Birmingham but I hadn't been to St Andrews for over 35 years, I used to go and watch Frank Worthington in his pomp. The ground not surprisingly has changed enormously since I was last there, 3 stands have been completely rebuilt and it is now really quite smart and when the fans make some noise generates quite an atmosphere. We sat in the Kop Stand which I used to stand in when it resembled an enormous dilapidated barn. The weather was a bit wet and despite being under the roof you really want to be in about row 14 or further back to keep dry."
Brian Moore, a Millwall fan who visited on 17th/2/2018, wrote:
"I have always liked the mishmash of old and new at St Andrews. It still has the feel of a proper stadium. The away end fine, views good, leg room average but everyone stands so no problem?"
Bob Davis, a Preston North End fan who visited on 16/9/17, wrote:
"Having been to St Andrews before it still remains a missed opportunity to me with three sides of the ground decent and one old Main Stand looking tired and letting the ground down.
"Surprised that a club the size of Blues has not addressed this to be honest as they could easily have a 40 thousand capacity ground to fill if they ever got back into the Premier League. The away end was okay with decent views of the action from all the seats.
Tom Lynch, a Newcastle United fan who visited on 7/1/17, wrote:
"St Andrews is fine. Aside from one old stand on one side, it is modern, but retains a traditional feel to it.
"The game itself was a pretty dour 1-1. After getting an early lead, it became a frustrating affair and after Birmingham's equaliser, the game descended into a dull stalemate.
The atmosphere was disappointing. The attendance was under 14,000.
"Our coaches were given a Police escort and treated us to a tour round half of Birmingham. Once we were in the motorway, we made good progress, and it was actually quicker coming back than going down. I would visit St Andrews again."
Tom Bellamy, a Barnsley fan who visited on 3/12/16, wrote:
"I just nipped into the Cricketers Arms pub which is next to Morrisons but it was full of home fans and I was on my own so I didn't stay for a drink. Instead, I headed for the ground.
"On approaching the turnstiles I was frisked by the Stewards who were friendly and sociable. The facilities inside the ground were very good and clean. I was very impressed with the stadium itself, and although the view was good I stood up for the whole of the game because the majority of our fans would not sit down, and the Stewards didn't intervene. However, it didn't stop me from enjoying the game.
"I had a brilliant day out. It was trouble free. I would definitely go back to St Andrews."
William Horwood, a Norwich City fan who visited on 27/8/16, wrote:
"I travelled by train from London with my brother. I had been before and used to live in Birmingham, so I knew my way to the ground. It is clearly visible from the centre of Birmingham and therefore quite easy to find.
"The small old main stand along one side continues to survive but St Andrews on the whole is a good ground.
"It's possible to generate a pretty good atmosphere from the away end. The stewarding was hands-off and they had no problem with us standing for the whole match. My only complaint is the fact that we had to queue for the whole of half-time to try and buy a pie and a pint, but even after 15 minutes we hadn't got to the front of the queue so we gave up.
"The game was awful from our perspective - we carried very little threat up front and Birmingham eased to a 3-0 win courtesy of some accommodating defending on our part."
Chris Carpenter, an Oxford City fan who visited on 9/8/16, wrote:
"We found a car park just up from the ground on Cattell Road at a church, cost a fiver.
"I was quite impressed with the ground looks modern but not really having the cheap warehouse look of a lot of newer grounds. The away end was easily found and with a proper search by the stewards we were in. Inside there was plenty of room with a big wide concourse.
"I enjoyed a chicken balti pie which was okay, quite hot with the pastry on the bottom bit soggy. Have to say they served a decent pint too."
Matt Sandford, a Middlesbrough fan who visited on 29/4/16, wrote:
"St Andrews looks nice from the outside. Entering through a gate surrounded by angry looking Brummies isn't great but nothing kicked off and they all turned out to be fine. I got the usual search and entered the turnstile, the concourse was dull but very spacious considering how many of us there were.
"The away end view is very good and the ground is pretty good, let down by a small Main Stand to the left of us but the other three stands worthy of a lower Premier League club.
"The atmosphere was pretty good. I'd heard about a new fan group starting for atmosphere by the Birmingham fans, I struggled to see where it was at first but I realised there was only one block standing opposite us and figured that was it. They were visually impressive, jumping and bouncing, unfortunately I couldn't hear them being so far away.
"Other than that the home fans were very average, a group of about 40 in the corner to our right hounded us the whole game, and we exchanged some funny banter with them."
What's your favourite ground in the Championship? Tell us in the comments below!


birminghammail--2020-03-24--intu Merry Hill partially closes after coronavirus lockdown

A hugely popular shopping centre has partially closed to 'ensure the health and safety ' of staff and customers after the COVID-19 outbreak .
intu Merry Hill said all non-essential shops – including clothes and electrical shops – are now closed after Britain was placed under lockdown on Monday , March 23 .
Pharmacies , supermarkets and banks would remain open but opening times would vary , a spokesman for the centre revealed .
In a statement released by the company said : `` Following the Government ’ s update that all non-essential shops are to close , we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be operating on a partially closed basis .
`` intu Merry Hill sits at the heart of its community and provides access to vital services such as pharmacies , supermarkets and banks .
As many of these essential services can only be reached through the centre , we will ensure all our visitors are able to access the services they need whilst supporting those retailers who need to stay open .
`` A small number of the team will be on hand to make sure our centres remain clean and safe places to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so please check here : https : //intu.co.uk/merryhill/centre-info .
`` We would like to thank our fantastic team at intu who are working very hard in very challenging circumstances , to support our retailers , serve our communities and take care of one another .
Our thoughts are with everyone during this difficult time . ''
Other stores , including the Disney Store , were already closed following the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus .

A hugely popular shopping centre has partially closed to 'ensure the health and safety' of staff and customers after the COVID-19 outbreak.
intu Merry Hill said all non-essential shops – including clothes and electrical shops – are now closed after Britain was placed under lockdown on Monday, March 23.
Pharmacies, supermarkets and banks would remain open but opening times would vary, a spokesman for the centre revealed.
In a statement released by the company said: "Following the Government’s update that all non-essential shops are to close, we can confirm that intu Merry Hill will now be operating on a partially closed basis.
"intu Merry Hill sits at the heart of its community and provides access to vital services such as pharmacies, supermarkets and banks. As many of these essential services can only be reached through the centre, we will ensure all our visitors are able to access the services they need whilst supporting those retailers who need to stay open.
"A small number of the team will be on hand to make sure our centres remain clean and safe places to visit. Centre opening times will vary so please check here: https://intu.co.uk/merryhill/centre-info.
"We would like to thank our fantastic team at intu who are working very hard in very challenging circumstances, to support our retailers, serve our communities and take care of one another. Our thoughts are with everyone during this difficult time."
Other stores, including the Disney Store, were already closed following the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus.


birminghammail--2020-03-24--'Blasting out Zeppelin!' - This is what fans really think of a visit to Molineux

Thousands of fans head to Molineux every season to see their side in action against Wolverhampton Wanderers .
For the hardcore fans , away days are what make the season and as such they are quick to formulate their opinions on the ground they are visiting .
Most fans will always compare the ground to their own home grounds , and the stadiums they have recently visited .
They will also look at what might have changed at the ground since the last time they were there .
We have had a look to see what visiting fans think of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away fans and cover everything from parking to the quality of the pies .
Here 's a few excerpts from the Molineux reviews ...
I left Liverpool around 3 pm and arrived in Wolverhampton at 6.30 as we hit rush hour traffic .
We headed for the Wolverhampton Science Park which is about 2 miles away from the stadium .
Our parking fee in an industrial unit behind the Science Park was only £3 with a couple of people minding the car park .
The atmosphere was good with Led Zeppelin being blasted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
Normally I would find this a bit Americanised but I like Led Zeppelin and Robert Plant is a board member of the club so it 's ok. Stewards were strict as they would n't let anyone back in the concourse without showing a ticket .
Facilities and bar in the concourse were good and there was a lot of space .
It is not very far from the city centre and can be seen from quite a distance .
The away 'end ' is unusual in that it runs the entire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good view from our seats right on the half way line .
The rest of the ground looked good .
A bit more traditional with four separate stands rather than the more modern 'bowl ' shape .
I thoroughly enjoyed my day .
Had an excellent 300 mile drive down the road , arriving in Wolverhampton on time .
The game was good - end to end stuff which could have gone either way .
The curry at night was most enjoyable !
The only disappointing aspect of the day was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game - if only we had realised that we should have remained at the Premier Inn !
John Hague is a Torino fan in England , here 's what he made of it : '' As an English based fan of Torino once we saw the draw for the Europa League we had to get tickets .
I have been to Molineux a few times and I 've always enjoyed the ground .
It 's a proper football stadium and the crowd are intimidating but fair .
`` Result aside ?
A brilliant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope Wolves do well in Europe as I have a lot of love for them as a club .
`` Molineux has certainly grown in size since I was last there but it 's a proper football ground with a proud history of European nights under the lights . ''
`` The ground seemed to be the same size as the Cardiff City Stadium .
`` The attendance was 31,000 .
Molineux is an impressive stadium but slightly strange as the away section runs the full length of the touchline .
There were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind us and there was another tier of home fans above us . ''
I like Molineux , its a unique ground with character .
A dying art in the English game with all these new modern bowl-like stadiums .
However , I am not a fan of where they house the away supporters .
They put away supporters in the lower tier of the Steve Bull Stand where we are spread from one side of the pitch to the other so its hard to all chant and sing in unison .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from the pitch so it can be hard to see what 's happening on the other side - especially with us being at ground level .
`` Went in the Bluebrick Bar by the Premier Inn for one then headed into town for a few beers .
I 'd read how difficult it was to get into the pubs but I 've never had any trouble before and we did n't have any trouble this time either .
`` As long as you are n't wearing colours and behaving you are fine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were okay .
Neither friendly nor abusive .
`` I did n't like the fake atmosphere created with fireworks and music booming out right until kick off .
Felt more like a New Years Eve party !
`` I enjoyed the night and the game .
Wolverhampton is a good away trip .
As long as you do n't attract attention to yourself you are fine . ''
`` One to forget frankly .
When your chips and curry are the highlight of the afternoon you know it 's not been a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the weather was so poor it was one of those few occasions when I was absolutely relieved to get back in my car and away . ''
`` The place is n't particularly welcoming and the whole city is a bit of a 1970 's throwback .
All the pubs are festooned with 'HOME FANS ONLY ' signs , and I mean ALL of them .
`` The only designated place for away fans is the bar in the Premier Inn by the station .
Even the Wetherspoons is home only , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no colours so managed to get in ( if you can pass for not football fans I imagine you 'd be okay most of the time ) .
`` At the stadium there is n't a single card machine in the away end , so if you want any food or drink make sure you have cash ( something you are n't pre-warned about ) .
`` The away end is the lower section by the side of the pitch meaning you have home fans on either side and above you , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's difficult to chant in unison and the shallow incline means it 's easy to have your view blocked by those in front .
All in all , an interesting experience but I wo n't rush back . ''
Phil Back is a Fulham fan who visited in November , he told Football Ground Guide : '' Molineux is an exceptionally easy ground to find .
I caught the bus outside my Birmingham hotel to Wolverhampton Bus Station and walked the ten minute journey to the ground from there .
`` I ate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but then discovered a huge choice of food stands outside the Molineux ground .
`` This is a magnificent ground , redolent of a long history of ( mostly past ) success .
Molineux as a city centre ground , this is right up there with the best Championship stadia.
`` `` I looked around the outside of Molineux , had tea and chatted to a few Rovers fans .
I visited the nearby Asda but there was no cafe inside .
The home fans were okay but seemed to keep to themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whole match creating a great atmosphere .
Too big a queue at the one food stand each time I looked , so I did not try .
Lots of stewards out front who stood up if the fans stood up when there was any action . ''
`` Molineux is in an ideal location to get to from City Centre .
I did n't think that the ground was was anything special but it is well designed and I had a great view from where I was sitting in the Stan Cullis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans were housed in the lower tier of the Steve Bull Stand to the left of us , where I believe the view was n't as good .
`` I would n't recommend Molineux for visiting fans , the complete lack of pubs available to away fans is a disgrace . ''
`` I was pretty impressed with Molineux .
Although it is an old ground it has been done up so to speak so the stands all look impressive on each side ( unlike Ewood Park and indeed for that matter our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains down one length of the pitch ) .
`` The stewards seemed friendly enough and the end I was at was near the Jack Haywood Stand where the more 'vocal ' home fans base themselves , meaning there was plenty of 'banter ' The atmosphere was n't bad compared to some other away games I 've been to . ''
Thomas Inglis wacthed Wolves take on Brentford on 24/09/16 , he is a Dundee United fan .
He wrote ... '' Arriving in Wolverhampton around 10am .
I had a look around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breakfast .
I put on a couple of football bets , then decided to have a few pints .
I went to the 'Billy Wright ' , The Still and to McGhees ( Irish bar ) .
Chatted to a few of the locals , who were friendly enough .
`` Some of the older guys reckoned a player that came from Dundee United ( my team ) to Wolves was one of their greats - Andy Gray - who helped them win a League Cup .
`` The Wolves fans in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout .
Stewards helpful with directions , toilets fine , standard pies and drinks . ''
`` I have visited over 54 grounds now on my travels and I would certainly rate Molineux high up on the list .
Not quite making the top ten but this is certainly a nice modern , well built stadium .
`` Molineux looks quite impressive and is a modern bright stadium .
Great views of the game as we were situated in the lower section of the Steve Bull Stand which runs along the length of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this away section is that you are spread out along the ground so that it is difficult for the away end to sing in unison as you would if you were all located together in one section .
`` As a group of us travelled down we met up and stayed at the Novotel for the night .
Had a couple of drinks at the hotel then walked down to the ground .
No animosity or signs of any hostility in and around the ground that I saw . ''
`` The Wolves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand side of the away section were very loud on occasion , some of the loudest home support I 've heard in a while .
`` Stewards were some of the best I 've ever come across , very relaxed and friendly and allowed us to move around/stand when suitable . ''
Jack Rumbold is a Leyton Orient fan , he wrote on 29/12/13 ... '' The ground certainly looks impressive as you exit the subway as it is situated at the bottom of a hill .
`` Once inside , I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impression given off by TV , nevertheless the new Stand Cullis stand looks impressive with two large tiers despite the fact it somewhat comically stops abruptly as it rounds the corner .
`` We were housed in the entire lower tier of the Steve Bull Stand which gave a very low angled view of the pitch even at the back row.
`` Book your tickets to matches with LiveFootballTickets here

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Steve Wollaston, Chris Watson)

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Thousands of fans head to Molineux every season to see their side in action against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
For the hardcore fans, away days are what make the season and as such they are quick to formulate their opinions on the ground they are visiting.
Most fans will always compare the ground to their own home grounds, and the stadiums they have recently visited.
They will also look at what might have changed at the ground since the last time they were there.
We have had a look to see what visiting fans think of Molineux.
These views are written by away fans and cover everything from parking to the quality of the pies.
Here's a few excerpts from the Molineux reviews...
Rob Lawler, Liverpool
I left Liverpool around 3 pm and arrived in Wolverhampton at 6.30 as we hit rush hour traffic. We headed for the Wolverhampton Science Park which is about 2 miles away from the stadium.
Our parking fee in an industrial unit behind the Science Park was only £3 with a couple of people minding the car park.
The atmosphere was good with Led Zeppelin being blasted out to fireworks before the teams come out.
Normally I would find this a bit Americanised but I like Led Zeppelin and Robert Plant is a board member of the club so it's ok.
Stewards were strict as they wouldn't let anyone back in the concourse without showing a ticket. Facilities and bar in the concourse were good and there was a lot of space.
Southampton fan, Eric Spreng, wrote:
It is not very far from the city centre and can be seen from quite a distance. The away 'end' is unusual in that it runs the entire length of the pitch but we had a good view from our seats right on the half way line. The rest of the ground looked good. A bit more traditional with four separate stands rather than the more modern 'bowl' shape.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day. Had an excellent 300 mile drive down the road, arriving in Wolverhampton on time. The game was good - end to end stuff which could have gone either way. The curry at night was most enjoyable! The only disappointing aspect of the day was the difficulty of getting a drink before the game - if only we had realised that we should have remained at the Premier Inn.
John Hague is a Torino fan in England, here's what he made of it:
"As an English based fan of Torino once we saw the draw for the Europa League we had to get tickets. I have been to Molineux a few times and I've always enjoyed the ground. It's a proper football stadium and the crowd are intimidating but fair.
"Result aside? A brilliant night and a great atmosphere. I hope Wolves do well in Europe as I have a lot of love for them as a club.
"Molineux has certainly grown in size since I was last there but it's a proper football ground with a proud history of European nights under the lights."
David, a Cardiff City fan wrote:
"The ground seemed to be the same size as the Cardiff City Stadium.
"The attendance was 31,000. Molineux is an impressive stadium but slightly strange as the away section runs the full length of the touchline. There were Wolves fans were in corporate boxes right behind us and there was another tier of home fans above us."
Callum Pattinson a Newcastle United fan, added:
I like Molineux, its a unique ground with character. A dying art in the English game with all these new modern bowl-like stadiums. However, I am not a fan of where they house the away supporters. They put away supporters in the lower tier of the Steve Bull Stand where we are spread from one side of the pitch to the other so its hard to all chant and sing in unison. This stand is also located quite a distance away from the pitch so it can be hard to see what's happening on the other side - especially with us being at ground level.
Liverpool fan Stefan reviewed Molineux in December:
"Went in the Bluebrick Bar by the Premier Inn for one then headed into town for a few beers. I'd read how difficult it was to get into the pubs but I've never had any trouble before and we didn't have any trouble this time either.
"As long as you aren't wearing colours and behaving you are fine. The Wolves fans we spoke to were okay. Neither friendly nor abusive.
"I didn't like the fake atmosphere created with fireworks and music booming out right until kick off. Felt more like a New Years Eve party!
"I enjoyed the night and the game. Wolverhampton is a good away trip. As long as you don't attract attention to yourself you are fine."
Bournemouth fan Paul Sheppard wrote:
"One to forget frankly. When your chips and curry are the highlight of the afternoon you know it's not been a good away day.
"Nice enough ground but the weather was so poor it was one of those few occasions when I was absolutely relieved to get back in my car and away."
Saints fan Adam wrote:
"The place isn't particularly welcoming and the whole city is a bit of a 1970's throwback. All the pubs are festooned with 'HOME FANS ONLY' signs, and I mean ALL of them.
"The only designated place for away fans is the bar in the Premier Inn by the station. Even the Wetherspoons is home only, however, we were there early with no colours so managed to get in (if you can pass for not football fans I imagine you'd be okay most of the time).
"At the stadium there isn't a single card machine in the away end, so if you want any food or drink make sure you have cash (something you aren't pre-warned about).
"The away end is the lower section by the side of the pitch meaning you have home fans on either side and above you, you are also spread very thinly meaning it's difficult to chant in unison and the shallow incline means it's easy to have your view blocked by those in front. All in all, an interesting experience but I won't rush back."
Phil Back is a Fulham fan who visited in November, he told Football Ground Guide :
"Molineux is an exceptionally easy ground to find. I caught the bus outside my Birmingham hotel to Wolverhampton Bus Station and walked the ten minute journey to the ground from there.
"I ate a dodgy kebab in the town centre but then discovered a huge choice of food stands outside the Molineux ground.
"This is a magnificent ground, redolent of a long history of (mostly past) success. Molineux as a city centre ground, this is right up there with the best Championship stadia. "
Full review here
Bristol Rovers fan Yaz Shah wrote on 19/9/2017...
"I looked around the outside of Molineux, had tea and chatted to a few Rovers fans. I visited the nearby Asda but there was no cafe inside. The home fans were okay but seemed to keep to themselves.
"Our fans outsang them for the whole match creating a great atmosphere. Too big a queue at the one food stand each time I looked, so I did not try. Lots of stewards out front who stood up if the fans stood up when there was any action."
Newcastle United fan Paul wrote on 11/2/2017...
"Molineux is in an ideal location to get to from City Centre. I didn't think that the ground was was anything special but it is well designed and I had a great view from where I was sitting in the Stan Cullis Stand.
"Most of the Newcastle fans were housed in the lower tier of the Steve Bull Stand to the left of us, where I believe the view wasn't as good.
"I wouldn't recommend Molineux for visiting fans, the complete lack of pubs available to away fans is a disgrace."
Leeds United fan Shaun Tully wrote on 22/10/16...
"I was pretty impressed with Molineux. Although it is an old ground it has been done up so to speak so the stands all look impressive on each side (unlike Ewood Park and indeed for that matter our own Elland Road where an old stand remains down one length of the pitch).
"The stewards seemed friendly enough and the end I was at was near the Jack Haywood Stand where the more 'vocal' home fans base themselves, meaning there was plenty of 'banter' The atmosphere wasn't bad compared to some other away games I've been to."
Thomas Inglis wacthed Wolves take on Brentford on 24/09/16, he is a Dundee United fan. He wrote...
"Arriving in Wolverhampton around 10am. I had a look around the central shopping area and got some breakfast. I put on a couple of football bets, then decided to have a few pints. I went to the 'Billy Wright', The Still and to McGhees (Irish bar). Chatted to a few of the locals, who were friendly enough.
"Some of the older guys reckoned a player that came from Dundee United (my team) to Wolves was one of their greats - Andy Gray - who helped them win a League Cup.
"The Wolves fans in the 20,600 crowd were in fine singing voice throughout. Stewards helpful with directions, toilets fine, standard pies and drinks."
Preston fan Steve Kelly wrote on 13/2/16...
"I have visited over 54 grounds now on my travels and I would certainly rate Molineux high up on the list. Not quite making the top ten but this is certainly a nice modern, well built stadium.
"Molineux looks quite impressive and is a modern bright stadium. Great views of the game as we were situated in the lower section of the Steve Bull Stand which runs along the length of the pitch. The only problem with this away section is that you are spread out along the ground so that it is difficult for the away end to sing in unison as you would if you were all located together in one section.
"As a group of us travelled down we met up and stayed at the Novotel for the night. Had a couple of drinks at the hotel then walked down to the ground. No animosity or signs of any hostility in and around the ground that I saw."
MK Dons fan David Drysdale wrote on 28/11/2015...
"The Wolves fans behind the goal to the left hand side of the away section were very loud on occasion, some of the loudest home support I've heard in a while.
"Stewards were some of the best I've ever come across, very relaxed and friendly and allowed us to move around/stand when suitable."
Jack Rumbold is a Leyton Orient fan, he wrote on 29/12/13...
"The ground certainly looks impressive as you exit the subway as it is situated at the bottom of a hill.
"Once inside, I was surprised that the ground felt smaller than the impression given off by TV, nevertheless the new Stand Cullis stand looks impressive with two large tiers despite the fact it somewhat comically stops abruptly as it rounds the corner.
"We were housed in the entire lower tier of the Steve Bull Stand which gave a very low angled view of the pitch even at the back row. "
What's your favourite Premier League ground? Tell us in the comments below
Book your tickets to matches with LiveFootballTickets here


birminghammail--2020-03-24--1m Brits will have coronavirus by end of next week, Jeremy Hunt warns

Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has warned ONE MILLION Britons will have coronavirus by next week .
But the Government will have no idea who or where they are , he says , because of the controversial decision to only test patients in hospital .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has imposed a nationwide lockdown on the country from Tuesday , March 24 .
Under his strict , draconian new measures , Brits may only leave their homes for absolutely essential reasons , like food shopping , or buying medicine .
Mr Hunt warned MPs : `` All our public focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and contact tracing to break the chain of transmission is every bit as important if not more important .
`` South Korea avoided national lockdown despite having a worse outbreak initially than us .
Taiwan introduced temperature scanning in malls and office buildings but kept shops and restaurants open , they ’ ve had just two deaths .
`` In Singapore restaurants remain open and schools reopening .
But 10 days ago in this country we went in the opposite direction and stopped testing in the community . ''
Mr Hunt added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus if we don ’ t know where it is ? '
The infection toll was likely to double every five days , meaning over 1m patients would be infected by the end of next week .
`` Unless we radically change direction , we won ’ t know where they are , '' Mr Hunt warned .
So far , thousands of Brits have been infected with over 300 deaths .
Patients have tragically died in Birmingham , Dudley , Walsall and Wolverhampton .
Mr Hunt , who previously criticised the speed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the movement of people , tweeted : `` This is absolutely the right decision by @ BorisJohnson .
`` It takes 2-3 weeks before these measures likely to feed into the rate of new infections but at last we have hope the tide will now start to turn .
Massively ramping up testing is the next vital step . ''

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Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has warned ONE MILLION Britons will have coronavirus by next week.
But the Government will have no idea who or where they are, he says, because of the controversial decision to only test patients in hospital.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has imposed a nationwide lockdown on the country from Tuesday, March 24.
Under his strict, draconian new measures, Brits may only leave their homes for absolutely essential reasons, like food shopping, or buying medicine.
Mr Hunt warned MPs: "All our public focus has on social distancing. But testing and contact tracing to break the chain of transmission is every bit as important if not more important.
"South Korea avoided national lockdown despite having a worse outbreak initially than us. Taiwan introduced temperature scanning in malls and office buildings but kept shops and restaurants open, they’ve had just two deaths.
"In Singapore restaurants remain open and schools reopening. But 10 days ago in this country we went in the opposite direction and stopped testing in the community."
Mr Hunt added: "How can we possibly suppress the virus if we don’t know where it is?'
The infection toll was likely to double every five days, meaning over 1m patients would be infected by the end of next week.
"Unless we radically change direction, we won’t know where they are," Mr Hunt warned.
So far, thousands of Brits have been infected with over 300 deaths.
Patients have tragically died in Birmingham, Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
Mr Hunt, who previously criticised the speed of the Government's efforts to shut down the movement of people, tweeted: "This is absolutely the right decision by @BorisJohnson.
"It takes 2-3 weeks before these measures likely to feed into the rate of new infections but at last we have hope the tide will now start to turn. Massively ramping up testing is the next vital step."


birminghammail--2020-03-24--West Brom promotion dreams set to be 'put on ice' - report

West Brom and Leeds United are set to see their promotion dream `` put on ice '' , according to Football Insider , who have reported that the EFL are planning a June 1 return to action .
Professional football is currently set to return on April 30 , say the FA , who have pencilled that optimistic date into their diary .
But now this latest report has claimed that EFL clubs will being 'pre-season ' programmes in May with the Premier League , Championship , League One and League Two poised to return to action a month later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to provide a list of isolated and quarantined players after Boris Johnson edges the country closer to a total lockdown .
The Premier League have sent out a plan designed to advise the medical staff at each club as to how best to deal with sick players .
It also warned stars on their behaviour during the pandemic and has informed them that , should they go abroad , football will begin without them if they can not get back into the country .
If you want to follow all things Albion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All the latest news as it happens For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reachplc.com Training ground contact of any kind should be at a minimum , say the new guidelines , with home workout plans - plans that many clubs have already adopted this term - strongly encouraged to help slow the spread with next-to no human contact .
In his message to club doctors , medical advisor Mark Gillet warned that English professional football would ‘ not consider the postponement of a match as a result of one or more players either being unable to re-enter the UK due to travel restrictions or self-isolating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this advice ’ .

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West Brom and Leeds United are set to see their promotion dream "put on ice", according to Football Insider, who have reported that the EFL are planning a June 1 return to action.
Professional football is currently set to return on April 30, say the FA, who have pencilled that optimistic date into their diary.
But now this latest report has claimed that EFL clubs will being 'pre-season' programmes in May with the Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two poised to return to action a month later.
This morning, top-flight clubs were asked to provide a list of isolated and quarantined players after Boris Johnson edges the country closer to a total lockdown.
The Premier League have sent out a plan designed to advise the medical staff at each club as to how best to deal with sick players.
It also warned stars on their behaviour during the pandemic and has informed them that, should they go abroad, football will begin without them if they cannot get back into the country.
Training ground contact of any kind should be at a minimum, say the new guidelines, with home workout plans - plans that many clubs have already adopted this term - strongly encouraged to help slow the spread with next-to no human contact.
In his message to club doctors, medical advisor Mark Gillet warned that English professional football would ‘not consider the postponement of a match as a result of one or more players either being unable to re-enter the UK due to travel restrictions or self-isolating as a result of international travel contrary to this advice’.


birminghammail--2020-03-24--Snoop Dogg's incredible coronavirus plea to fan

Snoop Dogg has delivered a “ real important message ” to his fans – stay at home .
The rapper urged people to “ not go outside unless you have to ” amid the coronavirus pandemic .
“ I need y ’ all to stay in the house for me , man , ” he said in the video , posted on Twitter .
“ I know it ’ s horrible.
” But the 48-year-old added : “ We got to stay in the house so we can get this thing under control .
“ Please do me a favour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , stay in the house .
Do not go outside unless you have to .
“ The longer you stay outside , the longer we ’ re going to be inside.
” He signed off : “ Love y ’ all .
This is from big Snoop Dogg .
Peace.
” Meanwhile , US actor Danny DeVito delivered a message in his own inimitable style .
“ I ’ m asking you from the bottom of my heart … stay home .
I mean everybody , ” he said .
“ We got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people can get it , they can transmit it to old people .
The next thing you know – I ’ m out of there… “ Watch a little TV , why don ’ t you ?
, ” he added .

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Snoop Dogg has delivered a “real important message” to his fans – stay at home.
The rapper urged people to “not go outside unless you have to” amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“I need y’all to stay in the house for me, man,” he said in the video, posted on Twitter. “I know it’s horrible.”
But the 48-year-old added: “We got to stay in the house so we can get this thing under control.
“Please do me a favour, stay home, spread the word, stay in the house. Do not go outside unless you have to.
“The longer you stay outside, the longer we’re going to be inside.”
He signed off: “Love y’all. This is from big Snoop Dogg. Peace.”
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Meanwhile, US actor Danny DeVito delivered a message in his own inimitable style.
“I’m asking you from the bottom of my heart … stay home. I mean everybody,” he said.
“We got this virus, this pandemic and young people can get it, they can transmit it to old people. The next thing you know – I’m out of there…
“Watch a little TV, why don’t you?,” he added.


birminghammail--2020-03-24--Miley Cyrus and Emily Osment reunite during coronavirus pandemic

Miley Cyrus had the “ reunion of the decade ” with her former Hannah Montana co-star Emily Osment .
Singer and actress Cyrus has been keeping fans entertained through the coronavirus outbreak with her Bright Minded series on Instagram Live .
The streaming talk show features Cyrus with a variety of guests – including Demi Lovato , Hailey Bieber and Rita Ora – trying to offer comfort to fans during the health crisis .
On Monday , the host told her followers “ you are gon na be shooketh ” for the “ reunion of the decade ” as she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starred alongside Cyrus in Disney Channel teen sitcom Hannah Montana for five years .
Cyrus , 27 , played the titular pop star while Osment , 28 , portrayed her best friend Lilly Truscott .
“ On and off screen she ’ s a badass best friend , ” Cyrus said of Osment , as they discussed their time on the show .
They looked through old pictures from set , with one showing Osment sanitising Cyrus .
“ There ’ s a theory the show predicted everything that was going to happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as health officials around the world emphasise the need for cleanliness to halt the spread of Covid-19 .
Recalling their first day of press for Hannah Montana , Cyrus revealed some of her teeth had fallen out , leaving her mother Tish to get fake ones for her .
Looking at photos of herself and Osment as children , Cyrus said : “ We look like we ’ re going to church.
” Moving forward towards the show ’ s end in 2011 , the pair said it became a “ little strange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outfits as they got older .
“ As we were starting to get a little older , I remember it kind of feeling a little strange to put on a tutu and a wig , ” Cyrus said .
“ They say you get younger as you get older .
Now I put on wigs and dance around the house.
” Cyrus said she would return with an episode of Bright Minded on Tuesday , with her mother as a guest .

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Miley Cyrus had the “reunion of the decade” with her former Hannah Montana co-star Emily Osment.
Singer and actress Cyrus has been keeping fans entertained through the coronavirus outbreak with her Bright Minded series on Instagram Live.
The streaming talk show features Cyrus with a variety of guests – including Demi Lovato, Hailey Bieber and Rita Ora – trying to offer comfort to fans during the health crisis.
On Monday, the host told her followers “you are gonna be shooketh” for the “reunion of the decade” as she unveiled Osment as the guest.
Osment starred alongside Cyrus in Disney Channel teen sitcom Hannah Montana for five years. Cyrus, 27, played the titular pop star while Osment, 28, portrayed her best friend Lilly Truscott.
“On and off screen she’s a badass best friend,” Cyrus said of Osment, as they discussed their time on the show.
They looked through old pictures from set, with one showing Osment sanitising Cyrus. “There’s a theory the show predicted everything that was going to happen in life,” Cyrus joked, as health officials around the world emphasise the need for cleanliness to halt the spread of Covid-19.
(Image: AP)
Recalling their first day of press for Hannah Montana, Cyrus revealed some of her teeth had fallen out, leaving her mother Tish to get fake ones for her.
Looking at photos of herself and Osment as children, Cyrus said: “We look like we’re going to church.”
Moving forward towards the show’s end in 2011, the pair said it became a “little strange” to keep dressing up in wacky outfits as they got older.
“As we were starting to get a little older, I remember it kind of feeling a little strange to put on a tutu and a wig,” Cyrus said. “They say you get younger as you get older. Now I put on wigs and dance around the house.”
Cyrus said she would return with an episode of Bright Minded on Tuesday, with her mother as a guest.