Carlo Ancelotti has admitted the stuck his middle finger up at Hertha Berlin fans during Bayern's 1-1 draw at the Olympiastadion yesterday.
A clip appeared to (absolutely did) show the former AC Milan and Chelsea manager flipping the bird at the home fans as he trotted down the tunnel after Robert Lewandowski's stoppage time equaliser ought to have silenced 74,000 Hertha fans.
It was following this 96th-minute leveller, however, when the proverbial hit the fan; Hertha's 'keeper Rune Jarstein angrily leathered the ball into Xabi Alonso's back, sparking what's known in GAA terms as 'a schemozzle', about one degree short of 'a melee'.
Then, after the final whistle, Carlo Ancelotti appeared to take his temper out on the Hertha fans. Although he later clarified the incident, explaining he had been spat upon by supporters of the capital club.
He told ARD Sportschau:
Yes, I made this gesture as I was spat at earlier.
Fair enough, so.
Incidentally, it would appear many in Germany have taken Ancelotti's side in this, eh, spat. Renowned football journalist Frank Buschmann wrote on Facebook:
I am fully aware that Carlo Ancelotti has driven out of the skin and has shown the fingers in Berlin. This is simply human!
I have no understanding for the idiots who spit others and those who now demand more sovereignty from the Bayern coach. I have experienced exactly the same years ago. I've been spat at in the face, because I've worked for a broadcaster who showed live on Monday's live football. Ancelotti has been spit upon because he has trained Bayern and have actually made a late goal again ...
people with blood and not water in the veins, do not react with a friendly grin and keep the dry cheek ...
The guy just showed what he thinks of them! And what? Rightly!
His post currently has 13,000 likes, which means he's absolutely correct.
Somewhat tangentially, as per ESPN FC, Lewandowski's goal - timed at 95:59 - was the latest since Bundesliga records began. However, somehow, Bundesliga records only began during the 2004/2005 season, a full 12 years after football began on Sky Sports in England.
