Mark Robins apologises for celebrating in Wolves ball boy's face ...
Coventry City manager Mark Robins has apologised to a Wolverhampton Wanderers ball boy for celebrating in front of him in an act Wolves boss Gary O’Neil labelled “disgusting.”
Robins celebrated in front of the teenage ball boy when Haji Wright netted a dramatic winner 10 minutes into stoppage time at Molineux to take Coventry into a Wembley semi-final with a 3-2 victory.
Robins had been irked by the ball boy dropping the ball earlier in a exhilarating stoppage-time period in which Coventry fought back from 2-1 down to win 3-2.
“I have an apology to make because before that (winning goal) happened, a ball boy had the ball in his hand,” said Robins.
“He dropped the ball and walked away, smiling. It really annoyed me, but he’s a kid, you know. At the end of the day I’ve reacted.
“We scored the goal and I’ve gone and celebrated in front of him. So I’m apologising to him.
“I do not show emotion very often, but I did today, and that’s what the FA Cup does to you. But I apologise unreservedly to him.”
Wolves fought back from 1-0 down to lead 2-1 heading into stoppage time, only to exit the competition thanks to goals from Ellis Simms seven minutes into added time and Wright three minutes later.
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Simms had earlier put Coventry ahead before goals from Rayan Ait-Nouri and Hugo Bueno seemed certain to take Wolves through.
O’Neil was asked about Robins’ celebration in his post-match press conference.
“I wasn’t aware of it, actually, until after,” said O’Neil. “I was disappointed. I waited for Mark downstairs after I’d seen it and spoke to him.
“I was really respectful at the end, having lost a massive game. I waited for them to finish their celebration, shook everyone’s hand, congratulated them on a really good performance and reaching Wembley. And what a fantastic achievement it was.
“He apologised, but to celebrate in a young boy’s face like that I thought was disgusting.
“The boy is really upset. Of course it shouldn’t happen, but I don’t have too much to say because I’ve lost and it’s going to sound bitter.
“But I thought it was really important for me to speak to Mark about it. They are just kids doing a job.”
(Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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