Lecce sack coach for headbutting player

Roberto D'Aversa walks away after headbutting Thomas Henry

Lecce have sacked manager Roberto D’Aversa after he headbutted Verona striker Thomas Henry following Sunday’s 1-0 loss in Serie A.

D’Aversa, 48, and Henry both received red cards for their part in the incident which took place as tempers flared after the final whistle.

The Lecce boss admitted his actions were “inexcusable” when speaking after the game at Stadio Via del Mare.

Lecce announced D’Aversa had been “relieved of his duties” on Monday.

The club put his dismissal down to “the events that occurred at the end of the Lecce-Verona match”.

Sunday’s loss saw Lecce drop to 15th in Italy’s top flight, two places below Verona, with just a one-point cushion to the relegation zone.

Lecce have won just one of their last 12 league fixtures, losing nine during that stretch.

They appointed D’Aversa to replace Marco Baroni last summer.

D’Aversa previously spent time in charge of Virtus Lanciano, Parma and Sampdoria.