Lugano Striker Κoutsias Attacked by…Teammate During Friendly

An unexpected and highly unusual incident unfolded during a friendly between Lugano and FC Viktoria Plzen this week after Greek striker Georgios Κoutsias was attacked on the pitch by one of his teammates.
The incident took place in the 71st minute moments after Koutsias, 21, entered the football game as a substitute. The footage shows his teammate Kevin Behrens abandoning a challenge for the ball headed towards the opposing team’s penalty area and instead veering towards the latter before knocking him to the ground, much to the dismay of players, coaches, referees and spectators.
The pair possibly exchange words before the contact, the footage shows.
Behrens, a veteran player, 34, from Germany who also plays as a forward, immediately asked to be replaced.
The Swiss Super League club’s management subsequently demanded explanations from both players, while adding that the matter will be dealt with internally.