Lecce coach Roberto D’Aversa took to social media to apologize for his actions after seemingly headbutting Verona striker Thomas Henry. The incident took place after the full-time whistle, a match Lecce ultimately lost 1-0. Writing on Instagram, D’Aversa apologised for his actions but dismissed accusations that he headbutted Henry:
“I want to apologize to everyone and, at the same time, briefly reconstruct the sad and unfortunate episode in which I was negatively involved at the end of the Lecce-Verona match,” he began.
“I came into head-to-head contact with Henry,” he continued, “but I did not headbutt the Verona player, nor did I receive one from him. It was a physical contact, a poor example, an unsportsmanlike image born out of great tension and adrenaline, which, however, should not and cannot be my excuses or mitigating circumstances. I was wrong, and I apologize. I let myself get carried away by the heat of the moment and lost clarity, but not to the point of striking another person. This is not like me, I reject it, and I do not accept it.”
“Once again, I apologize to Henry, to the Lecce, Verona, and Italian fans, to the referees, to both clubs, to my management, my staff, and my team,” D’Aversa concluded.
