Manager sent-off for KICKING rival player in bizarre scenes as fans slam former Argentina international’s ‘assault’
A MANAGER has been slammed by supporters after he was sent-off for kicking a rival player in bizarre scenes.
The incident occurred in Argentina during a top division match between fierce rivals Gimnasia and Estudiantes.
With the hosts trailing 1-0 after 29 minutes, Leonardo Godoy slid in to keep a ball in play right in front of the dugout.
But Gimnasia boss Sebastian Ariel Romero got involved, deciding to swing a leg in the direction of the player.
The man nicknamed Chirola caught the Estudiantes star on the hand, only just missing his head.
A debate between officials, players and coaches then erupted before the referee decided to give the manager a red card.
Fans have slammed Romero for his actions, one said: “He kicked him when he is on the floor. It’s assault.”
Another said: “Clown.”
A third sarcastically joked: “He won the ball.”
Gimnasia upped their performance with Romero not on the touchline, overturning the deficit to win 2-1.
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Their victory came via an 86th minute penalty and amid celebrations of the goal, Romero briefly appeared on the pitch before sprinting back to his new seat away from the dugout.
The gaffer was capped once by the Argentinean national team during his playing career.
He predominately featured in his homeland but had spells in Europe for the likes of Real Betis and Toulouse.