Watford legend Troy Deeney and former West Ham and Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker have condemned Atalanta manager Ivan Juric for physically confronting Nigeria international Ademola Lookman during Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash against Olympique Marseille at the Stade Vélodrome.
Despite securing a 1–0 win, their second victory of the campaign, Atalanta’s triumph was overshadowed by a touchline altercation between Juric and Lookman following the winger’s substitution in the 75th minute.
As Lookman made his way off the pitch, he and Juric exchanged heated words before the manager grabbed the forward by the arm and pulled him back. The situation quickly escalated before members of Atalanta’s coaching staff intervened to separate them.
Speaking after the match on CBS Sports, Deeney and Reo-Coker criticized Juric’s behavior, insisting that the manager had no right to lay hands on a player. Deeney suggested that the confrontation could mark a breaking point in Lookman’s relationship with the club.
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“When you physically put your hands on somebody, at that point, me and you are not going to have a conversation again,” Deeney said. “There’s nothing you can say today, tomorrow, or next week that makes me forget that you did that in front of everyone.”
Reo-Coker echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and accountability from those in leadership roles.
“When it comes to responsibility in positions of power, Juric is completely in the wrong,” Reo-Coker said. “As a manager, you cannot do that, regardless of what’s been said. You’re managing Atalanta, a club watched around the world. If you put your hands on a player like that, you’ve lost. Full stop.”
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