Serie A recreation marred as Lecce coach head-butts Verona striker

Lecce coach Roberto D’Aversa appeared to head-butt Hellas Verona striker Thomas Henry following a heated conflict between two groups simply above the relegation zone in Serie A on Sunday.

Henry was arguing with Lecce defender Marin Pongracic after the ultimate whistle when D’Aversa went over to intervene and as a substitute ended up knocking Henry over with a head-butt.

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“Subsequent Saturday we have now one other massive match [against Salernitana] and I did not need my gamers to be banned,” D’Aversa mentioned. “So I went out to attempt to separate them from the opponents after which the incident with Henry occurred.

“I’ve already apologized to Verona’s administration,” D’Aversa added. “As a coach and father of three youngsters, I wish to apologize for what occurred.”

Each D’Aversa and Henry had been despatched off.

Whereas replays appeared to indicate that it was certainly a head-butt, D’Aversa later mentioned in a submit on Instagram that it was not.

“I used to be incorrect and I apologize,” D’Aversa mentioned. “I acquired carried away and misplaced lucidness, however to not the purpose of hitting one other particular person … As soon as once more I apologize to Henry, to the Lecce, Verona and Italian followers, to the referees, to the 2 golf equipment, to my administration, my employees and my group.”

Michael Folorunsho scored early within the first half for Verona, who received 1-0 to maneuver as much as thirteenth place, two factors above the drop zone. Lecce dropped one level behind in fifteenth.

Lecce mentioned in a press release they “firmly disapprove” of what the coach did because it “goes in opposition to the ideas and values of sports activities.”