Lecce coach Roberto D’Aversa was dismissed on Monday following an altercation that saw him head-butt a player. The incident unfolded after Sunday’s 1-0 home defeat to fellow struggler Hellas Verona.
Verona forward Thomas Henry was engaged in a heated exchange with Lecce defender Marin Pongracic after the final whistle, prompting D’Aversa to intervene. However, instead of diffusing the situation, D’Aversa ended up knocking over Henry with an apparent headbutt, right in front of one of the match officials.
“In light of the incident after the Lecce-Verona match, Lecce announces the dismissal of coach Roberto D’Aversa from his position,” the Serie A club stated. “The club extends its gratitude to the coach and his staff for their efforts.”
While replays suggested it was indeed a headbutt, D’Aversa, who also issued an apology, later refuted the claims on Instagram.
Both D’Aversa and Henry received red cards for their involvement. The 48-year-old D’Aversa, previously in charge of Parma and Sampdoria, had been at the helm of Lecce since June.
Despite a promising start to the season, where the team remained undefeated after five matches, Lecce now finds itself just one point above the relegation zone.
