Video: Eastern United coach hit with one-year ban for entering on-field brawl
A SOCCER coach has been banned for a year after being found guilty of entering the field of play during a brawl. WATCH EXCLUSIVE VIDEO OF THE FIGHT
A SOCCER coach found guilty of entering the field of play during a brawl between players has been banned for a year.
Football Federation SA’s disciplinary committee last night punished Eastern United coach Diego Pellegrini for his part in a melee during Saturday’s State League match with Adelaide Cobras at Athelstone Recreation Reserve.
VIDEO: Match abandoned as tempers flare
The committee barred Pellegrini from coaching on match days for 12 months, with an additional 12-month ban suspended for two years.
The referee abandoned the game in about the 70th minute following the incident.
Cobras were leading 4-3 and the result will stand.
Football Federation SA CEO Michael Carter said the brawl was “unacceptable”.
“The incident ... was inflamed by the Eastern United coach entering the field of play,” Carter said.
“At no stage are coaches permitted to leave the technical area and enter the field of play.
“The pitch is for players, match officials and trainers or doctors as required.
“Coaches and club officials have a responsibility to lead from the front and set an example for their club.”
Eastern United was fined $3000 for the incident.
Club president Gaetano Capaldi refused to comment on the punishments.
FFSA understands the Athelstone-based club intends to appeal the decision.
Cobras players Kon Tsacos and Jonathon Mountzouris were each given one-game bans for their involvement in the brawl.
The pair was also hit with one-game suspended bans for the remainder of the season.
The Plympton-based Cobras received a $1000 club fine and a further $1000 suspended fine.
Cobras president Simon Panayi said the club would not appeal the sanctions.
“We were very happy with our football department because they all stayed in their technical area,” Panayi said.
“We could have had our coaches run on (the field), but it was controlled quite well by our yellow coats (ground stewards).
“Officials should be setting a high standard.”
Panayi said the scuffle broke out after a disagreement between players over the awarding of a goal kick.
Italian-born Pellegrini, 44, took over as Eastern United coach in 2013.
The former defender played professionally for the likes of Parma, Vicenza and Empoli in his homeland.