“It was disgusting”
Updated 01.24 | Published 00.23
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Mark Robins is criticized.
The Coventry manager made a ball boy cry.
– He annoyed me, says Robins.
Coventry City produced a dramatic turnaround in the FA Cup quarter-finals against Wolverhampton.
A late deficit turned into a 3-2 victory – after goals in the 97th and 100th minutes.
But the aftermath was all about how the team’s coach celebrated the decisive goal.
“Disgusting”
Mark Robins turned away from the field – towards a ball boy – and shouted his joy in his direction. Then the 54-year-old hugged a colleague, before once again narrowing his eyes at the child and clenching his fist in the air.
Afterwards, he was confronted by the opposing coach.
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full screen Here Mark Robins is shouting and gesturing towards the ball caller. Photo: Viaplay
– It was important for me to talk to him. He apologized, but to celebrate in a young boy’s face like that – I think it was disgusting. The boy is very sad and it shouldn’t happen. The kids are just doing their jobs, says the Wolves coach Mirror.
“Annoyed me”
When Robins himself was asked the question, he was careful to apologize – but also to give his version. He believes that the ball caller wasted time.
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full screen Mark Robbins. Photo: Mike Egerton/AP
– Before it happened (the winning goal), a ball boy had the ball in his hand, then he dropped it on the ground and walked away. With a smile. It really annoyed me. But he is a child and I apologize unreservedly.
In February, the Coventry coach resented his players playing rock-scissors over who would take a penalty.
Football-wise, Mark Robins has been successful at the club. Since taking over in 2017, he has led the team to two promotions and now the first FA Cup semi-final since 1987.
