There were awkward scenes in Italy’s Promozione on Sunday as Subbiano coach Alessio Guidotti entered the pitch to stop a counter-attack from his opponents, receiving an obvious red card.
The incident happened in the opening match of Promozione, Italy’s sixth division, in Tuscany.
Minutes before the end of the first half, Subbiano coach Guidotti entered the pitch to stop a counter-attack from home side Pontassieve.
Guidotti immediately raised his hands to apologise but could not escape an obvious red card.
The game ended 0-0, and Pontassieve coach Marco Guidi said at the end of the match that his counterpart’s behaviour was “outrageous, to say the least,” as quoted by Daicollifiorentini.
“I am mostly sorry for Subbiano because they are a famous and respectful club. Their coach’s attitude sullied them and affected the game’s outcome because we were attacking two against one.”
The Subbiano coach didn’t talk to local media after the game, but the club hinted that Guidotti would likely be fired: “We are making assessments before releasing an official statement.”
Update: Subbiano released a statement Monday morning suggesting their coach would not be sacked.