New footage has emerged capturing the moment Coventry City manager Mark Robins confronted a Wolverhampton ball boy.
Following his team’s dramatic late victory against Wolves, Mark Robins approached a ball boy and celebrated right in front of him, prompting condemnation from Wolves boss Gary O’Neil.
Coventry staged a remarkable comeback in the FA Cup tie, trailing 2-1 as stoppage time loomed before scoring twice to secure a stunning 3-2 win at Molineux.
Haji Wright’s decisive goal in the 10th minute of stoppage time sparked jubilant scenes as Coventry advanced to the semi-finals, setting up their first Wembley cup appearance since their 1987 triumph.
Robins, displaying fervent emotion throughout the match, erupted with passion upon Wright’s goal, rushing toward a ball boy on the touchline in a bizarre celebration.
The 54-year-old’s animated behavior left the 13-year-old ball boy visibly distressed.
Coventry manager tenders apology
Robins later admitted that his celebration was fueled by the ball boy’s earlier action of dropping the ball and walking away smiling during the match. While expressing regret for his conduct, Robins apologized “unreservedly” for the incident.
According to the Daily mail, Wolves boss Gary O’Neil condemned Robins’ behavior as “disgusting,” highlighting the impact on the young ball boy.
So this is the Mark Robins celebration Gary O’Neil called “disgusting and disgraceful”.
Get a life Gary. #PUSB pic.twitter.com/Y5DA5eB0ya
— Alex Johnson 🇺🇦 (@AlexndrJohnson) March 16, 2024
O’Neil expressed his dismay over the incident, emphasizing the need to respect the ball boy’s role and his emotional response to the celebration.
In response to Wolves manager O’Neil’s criticism, Robins defended his actions, attributing his emotional outburst to the intensity of the FA Cup.
He acknowledged the rarity of displaying such emotion but explained that the unpredictability and significance of the competition elicited his passionate reaction.
O’Neil reiterated his disapproval of Coventry manager Robins’ behavior, emphasizing the need for respect and restraint, particularly in interactions with young individuals performing their duties.
He conveyed his concern for the ball boy’s well-being and stressed the importance of addressing the incident with Robins following the match.
In summary, the incident involving Robins and the ball boy during Coventry’s FA Cup victory evoked strong reactions, with O’Neil denouncing Coventry manager Robins’ actions as disrespectful and calling for accountability.
Coventry manager Robins, while expressing remorse, defended his celebration as a product of the Cup’s emotional intensity, yet acknowledged the need for restraint and respect in all interactions.
