Pelle kick out of Italy Squad
Graziano Pelle of Italy reacts during the match with Spain
Graziano Pelle has been sent home from Italy's squad for refusing to shake coach Giampiero Ventura's hand after a substitution.
The incident occurred on Thursday in the second half of Italy's 1-1 draw with Spain in a World Cup qualifier.
Pelle stormed off straight down the tunnel when he was replaced by Ciro Immobile and completed ignored Ventura's attempted hand-shake.
Italy were trailing 1-0 at the time, but got back in the game with a Daniele De Rossi penalty in the World Cup qualifier.
"These things happen," said Ventura said. "I think Graziano was more angry at himself and the way his performance went than anything else."
However, the Italian soccer federation announced on Friday morning that Pelle has been sent back to his club in China, Shandong Luneng, and will therefore miss Sunday's qualifier at Macedonia.
Pelle apologised on Instagram for the incident, describing his behavior as "unacceptable" and adding that "it's fair that I take responsibility for what happened".
Italy's goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon salutes fans at the end of the World Cup Qualifier against Spain
Italy's goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon salutes fans at the end of the World Cup Qualifier against Spain
"He's a great guy and in the cold light of day, I'm sure he will realise he was wrong," he said. "If he apologises for his behaviour, we will be happy to embrace him.
"It was wrong but these things happen in such tense matches."
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10608279/italy-striker-graziano-pelle-sent-home-after-giampiero-ventura-clash
