Grosseto coach Lamberto Magrini was sent off for the extraordinary touchline incident during Sunday's Italian fourth-tier clash
It is not unheard of for footballers to come to blows, as many on-field fights might spring to mind - sometimes even between team-mates.
But a confrontation in the Serie D clash between Grosseto and Monterosi on Sunday certainly was unusual.
Grosseto head coach Lamberto Magrini was remarkably shown a red card after slapping one of his own players at pitchside.
Grosseto were leading 1-0 at the time courtesy of Filippo Boccardi’s strike four minutes into the second half when coach Magrini decided to make a substitution with 16 minutes remaining.
Magrini substituted midfielder Riccardo Cretella for Mattia Ravanelli - son of onlooking former Juventus striker Fabrizio - but the man going off reacted angrily, appearing to aim a frustrated kick at the air as he made his way to a seat on the dugout.
The coach himself then responded, leaning over to clip Cretella on the back of the head, much to the astonishment of the other players in the dugout.
Magrini appeared ready to continue watching the game as nothing untoward had happened. The referee had other ideas however, with the official showing him the red card and asking him to leave the field following a brief discussion with one of his assistants.
Despite Magrini’s absence from the dugout Grosseto held on to the 1-0 victory, ensuring they overhauled Monterosi to sit one point clear at the top of the Group E table.
There is set to be significant fallout though from the incident involving Cretella and Magrini, who is likely to receive a lengthy touchline ban for his actions.
Magrini became Grosseto for the sixth time in January 2019, having also enjoyed short spells in charge of the Tuscan club in 2000, 2001, 2004, 2012 and 2013.
The 58-year-old helped them to the Tuscan regional title last season, earning them promotion back to Serie D, the fourth tier of Italian football.
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He is one of the most experienced managers in the Italian lower divisions, having managed 13 different clubs during his 23-year coaching career.
His playing career took in spells at Gubbio, Poggibonsi, Livorno, Molfetta and Cortona.
Source : Football News, Live Scores, Results & Transfers | Goal.com
Serie D coach sent off for slapping own player
Serie D coach sent off for slapping own player
