More sports in brief

Sunderland fires Poyet

SUNDERLAND, England (AP):

Sunderland fired manager Gus Poyet yesterday in a late attempt to retain their place in the English Premier League. The 47-year-old Uruguayan leaves Sunderland after less than 18 months in charge with the team a point above the relegation zone with nine games to go. Sunderland have won only four of their 29 league matches - the same as last-placed Leicester.

Ellis Short, the American owner who rewarded Poyet with a new two-year contract in May, lost patience after a 4-0 home loss to Aston Villa. Last season, there was the high of reaching the League Cup final, but Sunderland avoided relegation by five points.

"I would like to thank Gus for his endeavours during his time at the club, in particular last season's 'great escape' and cup final appearance, which will live long in the memory of every Sunderland fan," Short said on Sunderland's website.

"Sadly, we have not made the progress that any of us had hoped for this season and we find ourselves battling, once again, at the wrong end of the table. We have therefore made the difficult decision that a change is needed."

Police arrest teen for racist tweet

LONDON (AP):

British police have arrested a 15-year-old boy for a racist tweet aimed at Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck. The unnamed boy was held and questioned on suspicion of racial abuse following the posting of a message on Twitter after Welbeck scored the winner against Manchester United last week in the FA Cup.

Wiltshire Police in southwest England say the boy has been released on bail until April 13, adding "the investigation is ongoing".

Welbeck spent six seasons at United after coming through the club's youth system before being sold to Arsenal last year.