Scandal in Serie A: US Lecce coach Roberto D’Aversa has lost his job after headbutting Hellas Verona striker Thomas Henry.

There has been a scandal in the relegation battle between US Lecce and Hellas Verona in the Italian Serie A. After Hellas had celebrated a 1:0 away win and thus moved past Lecce and down from the relegation places, Lecce coach Roberto D’Aversa lost his nerve.

The coach stormed onto the pitch after the final whistle and headbutted opposing striker Thomas Henry. The Frenchman fell to the ground and a scuffle ensued. Both protagonists were shown the red card.

However, D’Aversa did not stop there. After US Lecce initially only publicly distanced themselves from the actions of their coach in a statement on Sunday, the consequences followed on Monday: “Following the events at the end of the match between Lecce and Verona, US Lecce announce that coach Roberto D’Aversa has been relieved of his duties,” the club announced.

Coach D’Aversa contradicts

The coach himself had already commented on the incidents via social media after the match – and despite the clear images, contradicted the allegations. “I came into direct contact with Henry, but I neither hit him with a headbutt nor did I receive one from him,” said D’Aversa, explaining his side of the story. “It was an anti-sporting image resulting from great tension and adrenaline, but that should not be my excuses or mitigating factors,” he nevertheless apologized for being “a bad example”.

Hellas attacker Henry also took to social media to comment. “I apologize for reacting with words to the many provocations on the pitch today. But that doesn’t and will never justify getting headbutted when you’re already on your way to the dressing room and enjoying the three points you deserve.” Especially as he had not provoked his compatriot Valentin Gendrey, next to whom he was at the time of the headbutt. “I’ve known him for 15 years and would never dare provoke someone I consider a brother. “