In the 62nd minute, with Benfica leading 2-0 thanks to goals from Angel Di Maria and Vangelis Pavlidis, Lage decided to substitute Kokcu with Renato Sanches, the former PSG and Bayern Munich midfielder.
Kokcu was angered by the decision, refusing to shake Lage's hand as he left the field and swearing at the Portuguese coach. Lage angrily told the Turkish player to stop reacting and gestured for him to be silent.
One minute later, Renato Sanches scored to make it 3-0. Lage immediately approached Kokcu, covered his mouth, and reportedly said that he understood the game situation better and therefore needed to change tactics.
Kokcu continued to react angrily. He stood up abruptly, berated Lage, pointed his index finger with an angry expression, and had to be restrained by teammate Kerem Akturkoglu.
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Lage goes to the stands and gestures for Kokcu to be silent. Photo: A Bola |
Lage goes to the stands and gestures for Kokcu to be silent. Photo: A Bola
After the match, Lage addressed the incident: "Regardless of the player's form, I make the decisions. It was a special experience. Kokcu wanted to score more goals, help the club, always behaves very well both on and off the field. But I have to make decisions, regardless of who it is. I consider the player's current situation and make the decision calmly".
A nearly similar incident occurred on the Auckland City side. At the end of the first half, Tong Zhou suffered a heavy blow to the head, prompting medical staff to activate concussion protocols. According to regulations, the player needed to leave the field to ensure safety.
However, Zhou was angry with the medical staff and refused to leave the field. The referee forced the Chinese player off for a check-up. On the sidelines, Zhou and the club's assistants continued to argue with the medical team.
After repeatedly asserting "I'm fine!", Zhou was allowed to return to the field and finish the first half. After halftime, he was substituted for Gerrard Garriga.
Benfica won the match against Auckland City 6-0. The Portuguese representatives have 4 points, two points behind Bayern. Boca Juniors have 1 point, while Auckland City has none.
Compiled by Hong Duy
