The continued spread of COVID-19 has seen all sport in the country suspended indefinitely and trust us, we at talkSPORT.com are missing it more than anyone.
But, despite the country being on lockdown, there have still been some heartwarming, hilarious and fun moments from the world of sport to bring smiles to our faces over the past week.
Here are six things we have enjoyed…
VIRTUALLY MAD!
Sport has been cancelled, so the UK decided to make some of its own. The Virtual Grand National took place on Saturday, live on ITV, and millions tuned in to to watch a simulated version of the Aintree classic.
Potters Corner, an 18/1 shot, bolted up to win the four-and-a-half mile contest, while 5/1 favourite Tiger Roll – the winner of the real thing in the past two years – came in fourth.
The measures we take to have a punt, eh?!
While bookmakers paid out on the winner, all profits from losing bets were donated to the NHS – a total of £2.6million. Bravo!
JACK’S TWO-FOOTER
These are strange times for everyone and people are doing just about anything to entertain themselves.
On Sunday, West Ham midfielder Jack Wilshere opted for a kick-about with his wife in his garden and just like he has on the pitch in the past, his emotion got the better of him – dishing out a dirty two-footed challenge.
The former Arsenal man said the ‘ball was there to be won’. We’re not sure his Mrs will agree.
Have a look at the horror tackle, below..
CLASSY
There has been a lot of criticism directed at Premier League players in the last week – but there’s also been several commendable gestures from high-profile members of the sporting community.
And one of classiest moves of the lot came from England head coach Gareth Southgate.
The Three Lions boss has agreed to take a 30 per cent pay cut – equating to nearly £1m of his annual salary – to financially help the FA as they get to grips with the coronavirus crisis.
Great stuff, Gareth!
DOING THEIR BIT
While players are under pressure to take 30 per cent cuts too, they are not just willing to do so – as they want to know exactly where the money will go.
In the meantime, many have been more than doing their bit to help the NHS and local communities.
Take Marcus Rashford, for example. The Manchester United striker has been working with the charity FareShare, helping them distribute food for kids who would otherwise go without meals because schools have been closed.
He has helped them raise a staggering £20million and made a sizeable donation himself.
Rashford has also agreed, along with the rest of the United squad, to make a generous group donation to Manchester hospitals.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson has also been taking matters into his own hands, calling round Premier League captains to come together and set up a players’ fund in which money goes direct to the NHS.
CAUGHT IN THE ACT
I mean, it’s different to the other ones on this list – but it’s hilarious nonetheless.
The government-enforced lockdown means footballers have a lot more spare time on their hands – and Norwich’s Timm Klose is no exception to this.
The German defender accidentally shared a little bit too much personal information on an Instagram story earlier this week.
After revealing his choice of show on Netflix, Klose unknowingly (we presume) had another tab open – to adult website Pornhub.
Eagle-eyed football fans will spot just about anything these days, but it did give the footballing community a little something to chuckle about at the 31-year-old’s expense.
BLUES DOING THEIR BIT
The club has often been in the headlines for the wrong reasons in recent years – but Chelsea have been a class act throughout the coronavirus crisis.
Not only have they opened up their Millennium Hotel outside Stamford Bridge to accommodate NHS workers, but Blues chiefs have teamed up with charity Refuge to raise money in support of women and children who are experiencing domestic abuse during the pandemic.
Players from their men and women’s squads have taken part in a digital campaign and the Blues will match all donations that are made over the next six weeks.
Kudos to you, Chelsea.
