Serie A side Lecce sacked their manager Roberto d’Aversa after he headbutted Verona striker Thomas Henry as Lecce lost to Verona in the Serie A on Sunday.
Lecce sacks Roberto d’Aversa after the controversial headbutting incident
Lecce took on Hellas Verona on Matchday 28 in Serie A in an attempt to secure three crucial points to keep them above the relegation zone. However, an early goal from Verona dented Lecce’s aspirations. Despite trying their best, Lecce failed to break through the rigid Verona defense and they lost the game 1-0. The defeat marked Lecce’s fourth defeat in their last five outings, further raising tensions in the dugout. As the game came to an end an angry Roberto d’Aversa made his way out onto the pitch and after a heated exchange headbutted Verona striker Thomas Henry.
The incident immediately earned both Thomas Henry and Lecce manager Roberto d’Aversa red cards for their conduct. Later in a statement released by Lecce, the club condemned the act. The Serie A club in their statement said, “After the events that took place at the end of the Lecce – Verona match, U.S. Lecce announces that it has relieved coach Roberto D’Aversa of his duties.” While the club has suggested the sacking is a reaction to the conduct of Aversa after the game, many have been quick to point out Lecce’s poor run in the last few months as a reason as well.
The sacking and controversy will only further demotivate the club as they desperately try to escape relegation. Currently, Lecce sit in 15th place, only one point above the drop zone. The season has gone from bad to worse for them as they managed to win only two games since September. Lecce haven’t confirmed who they will be replacing Roberto d’Aversa with. Lecce will be back in action next weekend as they play bottom-ranked Salernitana.
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