Robbie Fowler believes the Merseyside derby will provide a fitting Anfield send-off for former Liverpool captain and assistant manager Ronnie Moran.
Moran, who served Liverpool in a variety of capacities for 49 years, died last Wednesday at the age of 83. Tributes are set to take place when Everton visit in the Premier League on Saturday.
“I’m actually quite glad it’s against Everton, the next game,” said ex-Reds striker Fowler.
“I think the Everton fans, when things like this happen, they are so respectful as well. He was involved in almost 100 derbies throughout his career. I think Everton will appreciate that.”
Moran made 379 appearances for the Reds between 1952 and 1968.
Friendly abandoned after pitch invasion
An international friendly bet-ween African rivals Senegal and the Ivory Coast near Paris was abandoned on Monday as fans invaded the pitch and confronted the players.
A group of spectators outside the ground climbed over security fences and entered the stadium just before the trouble began as the match entered the final two minutes, level at 1-1.
Stewards struggled to keep the pitch invaders under control, with one fan appearing to rugby tackle Senegal’s Lamine Gassama at the Charlety Stadium.
Shanghai fire
The home stadium of China’s Shanghai Shenhua football club caught fire yesterday but there were no casualties and the blaze was extinguished by mid-morning, the city government said.
The cause of the blaze at the Hongkou Stadium was still being investigated. State news agency Xinhua said the fire had not affected the stands or the pitch.
The Super League team has spent heavily to sign high-profile players in recent months.
Carlos Tevez signed a two-year deal in December for a reported €84 million while striker Demba Ba, forward Obafemi Martins and midfielder Fredy Guarin also play at the club.
Alli’s approach
Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli has no intention of abandoning his fiery competitiveness but is working on tempering his reactions during heated moments during matches.
Alli’s combustible nature was back in the spotlight recently when he was handed a three-match ban for a wild challenge on Gent’s Brecht Dejaegere during Tottenham’s Europa League clash at Wembley last month.
“There’s been a lot said about me and my aggression but I think it’s not something I’m going to look to change,” Alli said.
“I’ve always been like that since I was younger. It’s about getting it under control and I think I’ve been doing that.”
Mertens to get new Napoli deal
Napoli striker Dries Mertens is set to sign a new contract at Serie A club Napoli, Il Mattino reported yesterday.
The new deal is worth €3 million per season as first talks, also involving the Belgium international’s agent, had stalled following Napoli’s initial offer of €2.5m annually.
A host of other clubs are on alert with Mertens’s contract set to expire next year. However, Il Mattino report added that Napoli are now prepared to accede to the player’s demands.
Mertens, who normally plays on the wing, has been moved into a striker role for most of this season, scoring 25 goals in all competitions.
Partizan European ban is lifted by CAS
Partizan Belgrade’s European ban over unpaid debts was lifted by the CAS yesterday after the Serbian club provided evidence that they had cleared overdue payments to various parties.
UEFA said in January that Partizan had outstanding debts with other clubs, employees and local tax authorities, which is in breach of European club competition licensing regulations.
European soccer’s governing body opted to exclude the club from participating in the next UEFA club competition it would otherwise qualify over the next three seasons, a decision Partizan appealed against with the sports tribunal organisation.
Partizan gave evidence to clarify their position with the tax authorities and that they had made a “timely payment” of their debt with the other parties involved.
August 13 start for Serie A is possible
Italian football federation head Carlo Tavecchio is suggesting that the 2017-18 Serie A campaign could start earlier than scheduled.
The Azzurri take on Spain in a crucial World Cup qualifier on September 2, just a week after the league season is due to start.
“Could we move the start of the season to August 13? It’s a possibility,” Tavecchio said.
“We’ll find a way to deal with Serie A clubs who are already committed to summer tours.
“We need to think that the match with Spain could be the decisive match for World Cup qualification and someone will need to make some sacrifices.”