European Leagues

Lecce fire coach D’Aversa for headbutting opponent

Roberto D’Aversa has been fired as coach of Serie A side Lecce for headbutting Verona striker Thomas Henry at the end of the stormy clash between the two relegation rivals on Sunday.

“Following what took place at the end of the Lecce and Verona match the club announces the sacking of manager D’Aversa,” Lecce posted on X.

D’Aversa was already under pressure for a series of poor results, the 1-0 defeat to Verona pushing him closer to the exit with the headbutt, coming amidst chaotic scenes after the final whistle, the final straw for the Lecce board.

Henry said he was headbutted as he headed towards the dressing rooms in Lecce, before the pair were both sent off.

The 48-year-old coach, who has been in charge since June 2023, claimed he was only protecting his players but subsequently apologised on social media, although he insisted he had not headbutted the Frenchman.

D’Aversa leaves with Lecce 15th in Serie A, just one point above the relegation zone, after Sunday’s defeat in southern Italy while Verona lept up to 13th with their second straight win.

 

Abdul Noah Ocholi

Share
Published by
Abdul Noah Ocholi

Recent Posts

He Gives Us Energy: William Saliba Hails Mastermind Behind Arsenal’s Defensive Dominance

Arsenal’s defensive dominance in the Premier League has a new driving force behind it, according…

49 minutes ago

Barcelona Won’t Fuel Controversies Over Messi Return But Have ‘Beautiful Tribute’ Plan For Argentine GOAT

Barcelona have confirmed that they will not fuel controversies or speculation about a possible return…

54 minutes ago

Fikayo Tomori Explains Why He Chose England Over Nigeria

AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori has opened up on his decision to represent England on…

1 hour ago

Lando Norris Edges Max Verstappen By 0.008 Seconds In Abu Dhabi GP First Practice

Title contenders Lando Norris and Max Verstappen set the pace in the first practice session…

1 hour ago

Arne Slot Confirms Mohamed Salah Is ‘Always In My Mind’ Amid Liverpool Absence

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has addressed the speculation surrounding Mohamed Salah, admitting that the Egypt…

2 hours ago

Wilfred Ndidi Backed By Sunday Oliseh As The Next Super Eagles Captain

The conversation around the future leadership of the Super Eagles just got louder—and a lot…

2 hours ago