Fiorentina boss Delio Rossi was sensationally sacked last night after physically attacking club player Adem Ljajic during a Serie A game.
Rossi attacked the player after Ljajic had shown dissent at being substituted during last night’s 2-2 draw with Novara and the club’s president Andrea Della Valle saw fit to swing the axe just hours later.
“At the end of the match I saw pictures of what happened on the bench when Ljajic was substituted,” he said.
“I made the decision to sack the coach for an act that was very serious. Tomorrow morning we’ll talk calmly. I’m sorry for the coach who is a good person and does not deserve it, but tonight he committed a serious act.”
For his sins, Delio Rossi released a statement on Fiorentina’s official webite, expressing contrition for his act. “In a few seconds months of stress came out. I am sorry because the coach has never committed acts of this kind,” said the now-former manager.
“For his own good to make him understand he has made a mistake I had to take this decision. No provocation justifies this reaction.”
Fiorentina player Ljajic isn’t out of the woods, however, as a clearly upset Della Valle addressed to subject of his punishment. “We will also take proportionate measures against Ljajic,” he added. “Rossi has not justified it to me but he is someone who has never done anything like this.
“I am sorry also that in the 10th year of my reign and with what he has brought – we have won at Milan and Roma and I believed this evening we would have achieved safety, certainly not that I would have to take a decision like this.”
Take a look at the crazy footage above and let us know what you think in the comments section below. “Boring old Serie A”, eh?
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
