Serie C Controversy: Triestina Manager Clotet Grabs and Pushes Player Krollis
Italian football has been rocked by a fresh controversy, this time involving Serie C club Triestina. Manager Pep Clotet was caught on camera grabbing and pushing his own player, Raimonds Krollis, after the latter received a red card in a match against Giana Ermino.
The incident occurred in the 33rd minute of the match. Krollis was sent off for a challenge, and as he walked off the pitch, he approached Clotet. The manager lost his cool, grabbed Krollis by the collar, and began shaking him furiously.
Krollis, who is on loan from another club, did not defend himself and had a dejected expression. Triestina went on to lose the match 0-1, with Gabriel Avinci scoring a late winner in the 87th minute.
After the match, Clotet defended his actions. He told reporters that the red card was unjustified and that Krollis’ behavior was unacceptable.
“I think, regarding the incident with the red card, the reaction was justified – that sending off should never happen in football,” Clotet said. “Krollis is here on loan, representing another club that sent him here, and he does this to Triestina, to the club that entrusted him to us, and to the game itself.”
Clotet also announced that he had sacked Krollis. “I told him exactly this face to face: with me as coach, he’s done with Triestina from today,” he said.
The incident has sparked outrage among fans and pundits. Many have condemned Clotet’s behavior, while others have defended him, arguing that he was justified in his anger.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is investigating the incident and is expected to take disciplinary action against Clotet.
