Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was sent off in Napoli’s draw at home to Atalanta which saw his side slip to fifth in the table and suffer a setback in their attempts to get back into the Champions League.
On the same day in which his former skipper Steven Gerrard saw red, Benitez was sent off for the first time in his distinctive managerial career after feeling aggrieved at the fact that Atalanta’s goal was allowed to stand.
The Spaniard felt that his defender Henrique was fouled in the build up to the goal and constant protests meant that he was removed from the touchline, something Benitez clearly objected.
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“I am convinced he didn’t see it, otherwise it would be dangerous. I am convinced him, the fourth official, the linesmen and the goal-line officials didn’t see it, otherwise obviously they would’ve awarded the foul,” he said (via the Mirror).
“I had never been shown a yellow card for dissent in all of my life, so it seemed frankly strange to be sent off.
“After more than 600 games if I had not received a booking, it means if I got that angry then there was a reason.”
Despite his previously impeccable disciplinary record on the touchline, many are aware that Benitez has the capabilities to go on a full rant after the game, as he infamously done in 2009, which he threatened to repeat following his latest disagreement with the officials.