Italy forward Graziano Pelle has been removed from the team’s squad for refusing to shake coach Gian Piero Ventura’s hand after a substitution.
The incident occurred on Thursday in the second half of Italy’s 1-1 draw with Spain in a World Cup qualifier.
The Italian soccer federation says Pelle has been sent back to his club in China, Shandong Luneng, and will therefore miss Sunday’s qualifier at Macedonia.
Pelle apologised on Instagram for the incident, describing his behavior as ‘unacceptable’.
‘Oh yes!! Unfortunately, it happens again I make a bulls**t. Unacceptable behavior, against the coach in the first place and, consequently, to my teammates, who have always shown to have important values in a fantastic group,’ said Pelle on the social media site.
‘With all serious errors, always comes consequence. it’s fair that I take responsibility for what happened. It was my duty to address this. No excuses at all.’
COMMENTS