In Italian lower division soccer action, a coach was given a red card for tripping an opposing player.
It happened near the end of the first half during a Promozione (sixth division) match between Pontassieve and the visiting Subbiano squad. Pontassieve set up a counterattack with Cragno passing to Bourezza at midfield as a Subbiano defender slipped, leading to a potential breakaway as he was all alone with no one between him and the Subbiano goaltender. However, as Bourezza was about to track down the ball, Subbiano coach Giusti ran onto the pitch and knocked him to the ground by tripping him.
Italy's 6th division (Promozione) 🇮🇹
— Lorenzo Bettoni (@LoreBetto) September 8, 2024
Pontassieve v Subbiano, the visitors' coach enters the pitch to stop a counter-attack 🫢
Most obvious red card in football's history 🟥 pic.twitter.com/UtsquhfQ9E
The coach instantly put his hands up as if to say "It wasn't me", which was ridiculous. The decision by the officials to give Giusti a red card was almost instantaneous, and it was well deserved. The league should consider suspending Giusti for the remainder of the season.
We have seen some deserved red cards handed out for bad behavior during lower division matches. Hopefully these red cards will set an example to others of how not to behave during soccer matches.
Pontassieve received a free kick on the play, but was unable to capitalize. The match ended in a scoreless draw.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
