Union striker David Fofana refused to shake hands after being substituted. He later apologized. Coach Urs Fischer announced a conversation.

Union Berlin striker David Fofana has apologized to his teammates and coach Urs Fischer for his behavior after being substituted. “This gesture was unintentional and in no way represents my attitude. All of this has arisen out of frustration because I wanted to continue to help the team achieve a positive result,” the Ivorian wrote on Instagram after the 1-0 loss in the Champions League to SSC Napoli.

Fofana had walked past Fischer without eye contact or a handshake after being substituted in the 70th minute, visibly angering the Swiss. Later, managing director Oliver Ruhnert talked to the attacker on the bench. At the subsequent press conference, Fischer announced that he would have a conversation with Fofana.

Captain Christopher Trimmel did not want to overstate the incident. “Such situations with David also happen in football,” said the Austrian. “What is important is how he reacts to it. Whether he apologizes or not.”

According to Italian media reports, European champion Leonardo Bonucci, who sat on the bench for 90 minutes on Tuesday, is also said to be unhappy with his situation. Fischer was “surprised” by this, because he “spoke to Leo this week. Of course he’s unhappy, I hope everyone wants to play,” said Fischer diplomatically, adding that the decision to play with Robin Knoche in the center of defense again, now that he has recovered, “wasn’t that wrong.”

In addition to the sporting situation, Fischer now also has to moderate side issues at the Köpenickers, while he is going through the most difficult phase of his five-year term of office. “I do believe that we will remain calm within the club and approach the whole thing in a mature manner,” said Fischer: “It’s logical that it will take on a certain momentum, and as a coach I have to live with that. But I can handle that.”

The next task for the reeling Berliners, who are still waiting for their first point in the premier league, awaits them at Werder Bremen on Saturday (3:30 p.m./Sky). “We have to digest another setback, but I’m convinced that we will succeed this time too,” emphasized Fischer.