Sevilla vs Inter Milan: Ever Banega makes ‘wig’ jibe to Antonio Conte in heated Europa League final
Sevilla midfielder and Inter head coach clashed during first half in Cologne
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ever Banega appeared to poke fun at Antonio Conte’s hair transplant during Sevilla’s tempestuous Europa League final victory against Internazionale in Cologne on Friday night.
The Sevilla midfielder and Inter head coach became embroiled in a row during the first half after the Serie A side were denied a penalty for a contentious Diego Carlos handball.
Conte remonstrated with referee Danny Makkelie from the touchline and began to argue with Banega in the process.
The former Juventus and Chelsea manager gestured as if to ridicule the 5ft7in Banega’s height before being told to calm down by members of his backroom staff.
Banega responded by rubbing his head – an apparent reference to Conte’s succession of hair transplants since retiring as a player in 2004.
According to Sky Sport Italia and La Gazzetta dello Sport, Banega reportedly told Conte: “Let me see if that wig is real.”
Conte was shown a yellow card for dissent and Banega would ultimately end on the winning side, with Diego Carlos’ 74th-minute overhead kick deflecting in off Romelu Lukaku’s left boot.
Conte refused to discuss the row between him and Banega in his post-match press conference, insisting that what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch and adding that it was not anyone else’s business.
The Italian’s future at Inter came into doubt earlier this month amid tensions with the board following their runners-up finish domestically.
And despite appearing more content in the build-up to Friday’s final, the 51-year-old offered few guarantees after the final whistle that he would remain in place for next season.
“Now we have to get back to Milan, will take two or three days off, then with cool heads we will meet,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“It’s only right that we analyse the entire season, look at everything in a very calm way, and try to plan the future of Inter, whether it’s with or without me.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments