Ex-Malta Boss Devis Mangia SLAPPED With 6-Match Ban After Manhandling Official.
HOT-HEADED manager Devis Mangia has been hit with a massive SIX-MATCH BAN after completely losing his cool on the touchline.
The former Malta national team boss, now in charge of Italian outfit Campobasso, caused absolute chaos during his side’s 1-0 Serie C victory against Vado.
Red Mist on the Sideline!
The touchline drama erupted in the 31st minute of the second half when player Christian Celesia went down hard after a terrifying aerial clash.
Seeing his player motionless on the turf, Mangia went ballistic! Demanding the game be stopped instantly, the fiery Italian manager:
- Manhandled the fourth official multiple times in a desperate bid to halt play.
- Hurled offensive language and vicious dissent at the official.
The Serie C Disciplinary Commissioner showed zero leniency, slapping the former Italy Under-21 coach with a heavy six-match touchline suspension for dissent and improper behavior.
“He Lost His Senses!” – Boss Defends Wild Outburst
Defending his furious reaction, Mangia insisted he only lost control because he feared for his player’s life.
“My player Celesia had lost his senses after an incident during play, and the game should have been stopped immediately,” Mangia fumed after the match.
“I reacted because at the time we were not dealing with a football incident, but the physical condition of a youngster. Luckily everything went well—otherwise we would be talking about something completely different.”
Campobasso have already confirmed they plan to appeal the ban, hoping to get their manager back in the dugout before he misses six critical league fixtures.
A History of Touchline Storms
This isn’t the first time the controversial Italian tactician has found himself in hot water. Mangia famously stepped down as Malta national team coach in November 2022 after being suspended by the Malta Football Association over misconduct allegations involving a national team player.
Now, as Campobasso gear up to fight the decision, football fans are left asking: Did the fiery manager go too far, or was he just protecting his player?
