Sports Briefs

 

Packages of bullets sent to Italian Referees' Association

 

ROME (AP):

The Italian Referees' Association (AIA) says it has been sent packages filled with bullets amid fan protests over the video assistant referee (VAR).

AIA President Marcello Nicchi said yesterday, the parcels were sent to him, the vice president, and to referee selector Nicola Rizzoli.

VAR has been introduced in Serie A this season to mixed results.

Nicchi also denounced a journalist who suggested fans "should shoot the referees". He added that the police and the Interior Ministry are investigating the incidents.

Nicchi also criticised a complaint lodged by a consumer association over a Serie A referee's decisions in a Lazio-Torino match that will result in the referee appearing in court.

 

Seedorf running out of time in Spain

 

MADRID (AP):

Clarence Seedorf is running out of time at Deportivo La CoruÒa.The former Netherlands great took over the coaching job at Deportivo with the mission of keeping the traditional Spanish club from relegation. Eight matches later, Deportivo have yet to win. Seedorf has another eight matches to turn things around, and his next chance comes this weekend when the bottom four clubs face each other.

"We haven't given up yet," Seedorf told Radio Marca. "We still have the strength to do it."

Deportivo are second to last in the 20-team standings and host last-place Malaga today. Two days later, 18th-place Las Palmas visit 17th-place Levante, the first team outside the relegation zone.

 

UEFA charges Liverpool after Man City bus attacked

 

NYON, Switzerland (AP):

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Liverpool after their fans attacked Manchester City's bus on the journey into Anfield for their Champions League quarterfinal.

European football's governing body charged Liverpool with acts of damage and crowd disturbances after cans and at least one bottle was thrown at the bus as it drove along Anfield Road on Wednesday.

Liverpool was also charged after objects were thrown and fireworks set off inside the ground during the 3-0 victory over City in the first leg. The case will not be heard by UEFA's disciplinary body until May 31 after the final meaning any sanctions would apply only next season.

 

Arsenal eye Europa League semis after 4-1 win

 

LONDON (AP) :

Arsenal took a huge step toward securing a place in the last four of the Europa League by beating CSKA Moscow 4-1 in the first leg of the quarterfinals yesterday. All the goals were scored in the first half, with midfielder Aaron Ramsey and returning striker Alexandre Lacazette netting twice for the Gunners. "It was a spectacular first half played at a high pace but, as well, an uncomfortable one for me because they looked dangerous as well," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal, who have now won five games in a row in all competitions, go into next Thursday's second leg in the Russian capital in a commanding position. Wenger said failing to extend the lead in the second half may help the team keep its concentration.

"We know it's not over and we have to go there with the right focus and try to win the game," he said.