Sacked D'Aversa hit with four-game ban for Henry headbutt

Roberto D'Aversa was banned for four games by Serie A on Tuesday for headbutting Verona striker Thomas Henry after Lecce's 1-0 defeat to their relegation rivals at the weekend.

Lecce sacked D'Aversa on Monday for attacking French forward Henry at the end of a stormy match in southern Italy which left his former team a point above the drop zone.

The 48-year-old was also fined 10 000 euros ($11 000) for the offence, which Serie A said was seen by one of referee Daniele Chiffi's assistants.

He apologised on social media but claimed he was only protecting his players and insisted he had not headbutted the Frenchman.

Henry was also sent off following a melee involving both sets of players after the final whistle and has been suspended for one match.