10 Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Sports SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Title celebrations: Rangers fans criticised for vandalism DPA LONDON Bayern Munich’s German forward Thomas Mueller (L) and Freiburg’s FANS of Scotland’s Premier- French midfielder Baptiste Santamaria vie for the ball during their ship winners Rangers have German first division Bundesliga match on Saturday. (AFP) been criticised after their title celebrations involved “vandal- ism” and “sectarian” singing. The Scottish Football As- World Cup winner sociation’s president, Rod Petrie, published a state- ment congratulating the Mueller recalled Glasgow team on their win but criticising fans’ actions after footage emerged of for Germany at some fighting on the street after the team’s final game against Aberdeen, stating it Euros: Report was an “embarassment.” “Scenes that require the DPA have led to the recall Loew First Minister, Justice Sec- BERLIN himself hinted to broadcaster retary, Police Scotland and ARD last week. the Scottish Police Federa- THOMAS Mueller will be re- “We have checked and tion to issue condemnatory called by Germany for the analysed again everything that statements, and images that Euro 2020 after more than was possible,” Loew said of his dominated the news agenda two years out of the squad, a choices about the Euro squad. throughout the weekend, report said Monday. Mueller, meanwhile, is represent an abomination The 31-year-old Bayern willing to come back. “I’m ea- not a celebration,” he said on Munich forward will be a ger to hunt titles in the sum- Monday. part of coach Joachim Loew’s mer,” he said recently. “Those responsible for 26-strong group which will Germany play all their Eu- sectarian singing, for vandal- be named on Wednesday, the ros group games in Munich ism and for inflicting physical Bild newspaper said. where they take on World Cup damage may attach them- Mueller, a World Cup win- holders France (June 15), ti- selves to football but cannot Rangers fans celebrate at George Square in Glasgow on Saturday, after Rangers lift the Scottish Premiership trophy for the first time in 10 ner in 2014, earned the last tle holders Portugal (June 19) be considered football fans. years. Rangers wrapped up the Scottish Premiership title in March, wresting it back from Celtic, who were gunning for a historic 10 in a row. of his 100 caps against the and Hungary (23). Police Scotland have made a Rangers crushed Aberdeen 4-0 to put the seal on their unbeaten Scottish Premiership title-winning campaign. (AFP) Netherlands in a November Mueller’s return would number of arrests and more 2018 Nations League game. likely come before those are expected to follow.” the behaviour was “utterly Police Scotland also con- showing Rangers players us- tents and will liaise with the Four months later he, along matches in his home stadium A spokesperson for the shameful” while First Min- firmed it was investigating a ing sectarian language while Crown Office and Procurator with Mats Hummels and Je- in tune-up clashes with Den- Scottish Professional Foot- ister Nicola Sturgeon said video shared on social media celebrating. Fiscal Service as part of our en- rome Boateng, was dropped mark on June 2 and Latvia five ball League meanwhile said she was “utterly disgusted.” over the weekend apparently “We are assessing its con- quiries,” it said in a statement. by Loew who said he wanted days later. to focus on building for the future. Knee surgery rules But Loew has now brought goalkeeper ter Stegen Mueller back into the fold as Meanwhile, Barcelona goal- he looks to end his 15-year keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen Sports venues in England prepare to host fans soon reign as national coach on a will not be part of Germany’s high before stepping down af- Euro 2020 squad this summer DPA ance for Leicester’s Wembley hugs, ‘high-fives’, handshakes, indoor areas. Newcastle playing Northamp- ter the Euros. as he will undergo knee sur- LONDON victory over Chelsea, two Sky or other close contact with Redcar’s general manager ton in front of 1,750. The decision to exclude gery at the end of the season. Bet Championship clubs will those not in your social group.” Amy Fair said: “We’re really Rugby league has a busy Mueller drew frequent criti- “I have decided together FOOTBALL, greyhound racing, see the return of fans. Carlisle, Redcar, Leices- looking forward to welcoming programme on Monday night cism as Loew struggled to with the medical team of the horse racing, rugby league and Barnsley will be backed by ter and Windsor will all host spectators back after so long, with five Super League matches refresh the side after a group club that I will do a comple- rugby union will be among the around 4,500 for their play-off race fixtures on Monday and we’ve really missed the at- - Hull can have 5,500, St Helens stage exit from the 2018 World mentary intervention on my sports to open their doors to tie with Swansea, while just therefore be the first tracks mosphere they bring, but the and Warrington 4,000 each, Cup in Russia. knee,” he said on Instagram. fans as the third step of the gov- over 2,000 will be in attend- to benefit from the change in emphasis has to remain very Castleford’s capacity is 3,600 While Germany again “I’m sad that I will miss the ernment’s coronavirus recovery ance when Bournemouth host policy, although Ffos Las is much on public safety.” and Leigh are working to 2,000 struggled in the 2020 Nations Euro 2020 this summer with road map is implemented. Brentford in the other semi- still restricted to racing behind Romford Greyhound Sta- - and two Championship games. League - which ended in a 6-0 Germany. Larger seated outdoor ven- final first leg. closed doors due to the differ- dium will also welcome back Premier League crowds loss in Spain which almost “For the first time in many ues will be able to admit up But fans have had to get ing stance between the English fans but no on-course book- will return on Tuesday with cost Loew his job - Mueller years I will be a fan at home to 10,000 spectators. Smaller used to a new set of rules with and Welsh governments. makers will be present. the league pushing back its was a key part of Bayern win- supporting my country, I hope outdoor venues capacities will face-masks, online health There is also a slight easing Crowds will also be back in penultimate round of matches ning the treble. we win it!” The 29-year-old ter be capped at 4,000 or 50 per checks and maintaining so- in restrictions on course, with rugby union’s Gallagher Pre- back to May 18 and 19. A combination of Muel- Stegen has been the long-time cent, whichever is the lowest. cial distance now part of the owners able to access the pa- miership, with leaders Bristol That decision has allowed ler’s form, difficulties in de- back up to first choice keeper After Saturday’s success- matchday routine. rade ring to meet trainers and expecting a crowd of 3,138 every club to play one game in veloping younger players and Manuel Neuer, who is also ful FA Cup final test event, Barnsley’s club website jockeys, and masks only com- for the visit of West Country front of supporters before the simple short-term expediency Germany captain. which saw 21,000 in attend- has also advised fans “to avoid pulsory in the paddock and neighbours Gloucester and end of the season on Sunday. Barcelona clobber Chelsea 4-0 to win Women’s Champions League DPA COPENHAGEN BARCELONA won the Wom- en’s Champions League for the first time as a freak early own goal helped them to a 4-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday. Chelsea’s Melanie Leupolz inadvertently put the ball past her own goalkeeper after just AC Milan’s Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma deflects a shot during the Italian Serie A match 35 seconds, and a penalty from against Cagliari at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, on Sunday. (AFP) Alexia Putellas followed by strikes from Aitana Bonmati and Caroline Graham Hansen had Barcelona four goals clear Donnarumma comes up big before half-time. English champions Chel- sea were expected to pose a but Milan miss CL chance major threat to the Barcelona DPA Serie A, but Milan had Gian- from point-blank range. goal, but key forwards Fran BERLIN luigi Donnarumma to thank as Calhanoglu almost pro- Kirby and Sam Kerr had an off he made two huge saves in the duced a moment of magic to night in Gothenburg. AC Milan missed the chance second half. Samu Castillejo finally break the deadlock, but Barcelona were able to to guarantee themselves a missed a golden chance at the his venomous strike from a cruise through the second half place in next season’s Champi- other end, while Hakan Calha- tight angle rattled the upright and become Spain’s first win- Barcelona’s team poses for a picture with their trophy after winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League ons League as they were held noglu sent a speculative effort as Milan’s Champions League ners of the competition, put- final in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Sunday. (AFP) to a 0-0 draw by Cagliari. crashing against the woodwork. hopes remain in the balance. ting a 4-1 defeat to Lyon in the With safety assured before Donnarumma produced One of Milan, Juve or 2019 final firmly behind them.