Series A
Headbutt scene with Hummels causes debate
In Italy, the capital derby once again ends in a dispute. In the spotlight: Mats Hummels. The coach of the 2014 world champion expresses regret.
After AS Roma’s clear 2-0 win in the Italian capital derby against Lazio, a headbutt scene involving ex-national player Mats Hummels continues to spark discussions. Roma coach Claudio Ranieri expressed regret after the game: “I’m sorry for what happened in the end.” Shortly before the end, players and coaches from both teams attacked each other in the Olympic Stadium. Despite the victory, Roma (10th) is still twelve points behind city rivals Lazio (4th) in the table.
The trigger was a scene in the third minute of stoppage time on Sunday evening when AS Roma were clearly leading. Hummels, 2014 world champion, fouled his Argentinian opponent Valentin Castellanos on the sideline. When they got up, both of them butted heads. Suddenly the German fell to the ground, put both hands in front of his face and indicated that he had received a headbutt from the Lazio attacker.
Opinions divided on headbutt scene
The TV images also show the Argentine kicking Hummels’ left thigh. The referee then gave Castellanos a red card. Opinions about the scene are divided. The sports newspaper “Corriere dello Sport” spoke of “total chaos” on Monday. The daily newspaper “La Repubblica”, on the other hand, only recognized “a traditional brawl in the final minutes, as is part of the Roman derby”. At the same time, she certified Hummels’ impeccable performance. Castellanos provoked him.
The sports newspaper “Tuttosport”, however, wrote that the former Bundesliga professional from Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich had only faked the blow in the face. “In no time, both benches were on the field.” “Corriere dello Sport” also expressed surprise at the German’s quick recovery. “You can see how Hummels, in the middle of his recovery, first asks for the support of the fans, then smiles and dances wildly as he returns to the dressing room with the fans after the party.”
Batons and pyrotechnics confiscated
During duels between the two capital city clubs, there are always clashes between the sometimes fiercely hostile fan groups. The police used water cannons again on Sunday evening to prevent anything worse from happening. At least one ultra was arrested. Several dozen batons as well as firecrackers and rockets were also confiscated. The police also removed anti-Semitic leaflets from circulation. There is a hard core of neo-fascists among Lazio fans.
dpa
Source: Stern
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