Serbia FA: Rossi a disgrace for punching Ljajic
Reuters - Thursday 03 May 2012, 16:14
The Serbian FA (FSS) has called
Fiorentina's sacked coach Delio Rossi a "disgrace to all
football professionals" for punching his own player Adem Ljajic
in Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Novara.
"There is no excuse for Rossi's reaction and it represents a
complete disgrace to everyone making a living from football,"
the FSS said on its website on Thursday.
"We do not approve of Ljajic's gesture either because
players always have to accept a coach's decision and he should
have done so in a more professional manner."
Fiorentina sacked Rossi on Thursday and named the club's
administrative manager Vincenzo Guerini, whose previous role
included duties such as organising kits and buses, as his
replacement.
The incident occurred when Ljajic sarcastically applauded
the coach when he was substituted in the first half with
Fiorentina trailing their relegated Serie A rivals 2-0.
Rossi then lost his cool, grabbed Ljajic and landed two
blows before he was restrained by substitutes and other club
officials in the dugout.
The FSS applauded Fiorentina's decision to dismiss Rossi as
coach.
"Fiorentina took the right course of action by relieving
Rossi of his post because what he did is completely alien to
sport and the fair-play code," said the Serbian FA.
"We wish to maintain our sound relations with Fiorentina but
most of all we would like to extend our unreserved support to
Ljajic in what must be a very difficult moment in his career."
Ljajic's career seems to be stuttering, with the 20-year-old
failing to live up to the potential which prompted his 2010 move
to Serie A from Serbian champions Partizan Belgrade.
Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, the attacking
midfielder also struggled at Fiorentina under compatriot Sinisa
Mihajlovic who made way for Rossi in November and is now set to
take over as Serbia coach from caretaker Radovan Curcic.
With Fiorentina taking disciplinary action against Ljajic,
his flailing international career also seems to be hanging in
the balance with former Yugoslavia midfielder-turned-defender
Mihajlovic known for his no-nonsense approach.