SOCCER

Napoli ace Zielinski open to Everton switch

Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski could be reunited with his former boss Carlo Ancelotti at Everton, according to a report in Poland.

Polish international Zielinski had a good relationship with Ancelotti at Napoli before the Italian coach was fired earlier this month due to the Serie A team's poor domestic form.

Ancelotti was last week confirmed as Everton's new manager, with Polsat Sport TV's Marcin Feddek claiming Zielinski has told him he would be open to linking up with his old boss again at the Merseyside club.

"We talked to each other when Napoli played Liverpool in the Champions League. In the past, Zielinski was linked to Liverpool as (manager) Jurgen Klopp really appreciates him. They even held talks about the transfer. Now there is a chance he will play in Liverpool, but for Everton," said Feddek.

Ancelotti has reportedly been promised funds in the January transfer window as the Italian seeks to steer the Toffees away from a potential relegation fight.

Video official's home attacked after game

The Greek Football Federation has condemned an attack on the home of a video assistant referee only hours after a controversial topflight match decision.

No one was hurt in the house attack early on Monday.

Police said attackers smashed a window and threw a firecracker into the Athens home of the VAR official after title contender Olympiakos' 0-0 draw at Volos in central Greece on Sunday. A goal by Olympiakos was disallowed for offside early in the second half.

The federation said the "mafia-style" attack by "thugs (was) aimed at intimidating football officials".

The head of the Athens referees association, Panagiotis Varouchas, told Associated Press he has repeatedly asked authorities for additional police protection for his members.

"They ignored us, so what happened was to be expected," Varouchas said.

Fan arrested for alleged racist abuse of Son

A Chelsea fan was arrested during Sunday's Premier League game at Tottenham for allegedly racially abusing Spurs' South Korean striker Son Heung-min.

It was the only arrest for racism made by the Metropolitan Police at the London derby where Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger reported being subjected to monkey chants.

The abuse reported by Rudiger came during the second half after he was kicked in the chest by Son, who was sent off as a result.

There was no immediate indication when any racism toward Son happened.

"Chelsea Football Club will not tolerate any form of racism, nor is there a place at this club for anyone who is found to have engaged in such behavior," the Blues said in a statement.

Tottenham said on Monday that its investigation into the alleged Rudiger racism was "inconclusive".

TENNIS

Serena, Wozniacki to play doubles together

Long-time friends Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki will play doubles together for the first time at the WTA Tour's ASB Classic in Auckland beginning on Jan 6.

Former No 1 Wozniacki has started her season in Auckland every year since 2015 and has made the hard-court tournament the first stop of her short farewell tour.

The 29-year-old Dane was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis shortly after winning the 2018 Australian Open and will retire from tennis after playing the Melbourne major next month.

Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam winner, has not played doubles with anyone other than her sister Venus since a Fed Cup match in 2015. Her last WTA tournament in doubles without Venus was in 2002.

The pair are close friends. Williams was Wozniacki's bridesmaid at her wedding earlier this year and will play an exhibition in Copenhagen in May, Wozniacki's final match before retirement.

Xinhua