Fan arrested for attacking Nottingham Forest players
NOTTINGHAM, Feb 7: Police arrested a man who appeared to attack Nottingham Forest players as they celebrated one of their goals in Sunday’s FA Cup victory over Leicester. A supporter emerged from the away section of the City Ground before striking out at Forest players as they celebrated Joe Worrall’s goal in the first half, the third in a 4-1 win over the cup holders in the fourth round. The pitch invader appeared to punch Forest forward Keinan Davis. Leicester said the fan was facing a lifetime ban and offered to support the police investigation. (AP)
Ajax’s Overmars quits over messages to female colleagues
Amsterdam, Feb 7: Marc Overmars abruptly quit as director of football at Dutch champion Ajax after apologizing for sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues. Overmars, a renowned winger in his playing days for Ajax, Arsenal, Barcelona and the Netherlands, said he was “ashamed” after being confronted by the club in the last week about his behavior. The club said “a series of inappropriate messages sent to several female colleagues over an extended period of time” led to the decision. The conduct, described as “extremely painful for everyone” by supervisory board chair Leen Meijaard, will see Overmars leave with immediate effect. (AP)
Chelsea to play Asian champs Al Hilal in Club WC semis
Abu Dhabi, Feb 7: Champions League winner Chelsea will play Asian champion Al Hilal in the semifinals of the Club World Cup. The London club discovered Wednesday’s opponent after flying into Abu Dhabi where Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal beat UAE champion Al Jazira 6-1 on Sunday. Chelsea is being led in Abu Dhabi by assistant coaches Arno Michels and Zsolt Low while coach Thomas Tuchel is isolating in London after having contracted the coronavirus. South American champions, Palmeiras on Tuesday will play Al Ahly. (AP)
Bublik beats Zverev to clinch Open Sud de France
Montpellier (France), Feb 7: Alexander Bublik upset the odds by beating third-ranked Alexander Zverev 6-4, 6-3 in the Open Sud de France final for his first career title. In doing so the 24-year-old Kazakhstani stopped the 2020 U.S. Open runner-up Zverev from winning his 20th career title on Sunday. Bublik had lost his four previous finals but proved too strong. He had eight aces and won 86% of points on his first serve against Zverev. (AP)