Incredible scenes unfolded in Italy, which has now resulted in the sacking of a coach.
During the fight against relegation from the Italian Serie A, Roberto D’Aversa (48) lost his temper. Following a 0-1 loss to Hellas Verona on Sunday, the Lecce coach attacked an opposing player with a headbutt. Now, he has been sacked!
“Following the incidents at the end of the Lecce – Verona match, US Lecce announces that coach Roberto D’Aversa has been relieved of his duties,” the club announced Monday, according to Bild.
D’Aversa, who took charge of Lecce last summer, managed only six wins in 30 games, in addition to the scandalous attack on Sunday.
After the final whistle, D’Aversa marched straight across the pitch to confront Verona’s Thomas Henry and Lecce player Valentin Gendrey. As they faced each other, D’Aversa slightly lowered his head and lunged at Henry. The striker fell to the ground, and D’Aversa was sent off.
The Italian club condemned the incident on Instagram: “US Lecce strongly condemns the coach’s gesture, as it goes against the principles and sporting values.”
D’Aversa, who has been Lecce’s coach since June 2023, explained: “I had head-to-head contact with Henry, but I didn’t headbutt him, nor did I receive one from him.” However, the TV footage suggests otherwise.
D’Aversa admitted: “It was physical contact, a bad example, an unsportsmanlike image created by high tension and an adrenaline rush. But this should not and will not be an excuse or mitigation. I made a mistake and I apologize for it.”
Henry on the incident: “I apologize for responding with words to the many provocations on the field, which is understandable in a game with so much at stake. But that does not justify, and can never justify, a headbutt when you are on your way to the locker room and happy about the three well-deserved points.”
After the win, Verona now has 26 points, climbing to 13th place. Lecce remains in 15th place with 25 points, just one point above Frosinone Calcio in the relegation zone.
