Substitution Mix-Up at Sparta: Referee Calls Wrong Player, Coach Fumes on the Sideline

During a Czech league match, Sparta Prague were leading 3:0 when, in the 63rd minute, coach Brian Priske decided to make a substitution. Josimar Alcocer, who had scored the third goal, was meant to come off, but the fourth official mistakenly held up the number of Norwegian forward Brunes — and once it was shown, there was no taking it back.

As the bewildered forward left the pitch, utterly confused about what was happening, Priske threw his arms up and shouted at his coaching staff — thanks to the stadium microphones, some of his sharper words could be made out. According to commentators on the Oneplay Sport broadcast, the blame for the mix-up lies with team manager Miroslav Baranek, who is responsible for organizing substitutions.

The Coach Took It With Humor

"Coach Priske was absolutely furious, but he probably would have caused a much bigger scene if the score had been 1:0. At a scoreline like this, it doesn't sting quite as much," one of the commentators noted.

Former Sparta boss Zdeněk Ščasný admitted he couldn't recall a similar incident from his own career. "But I can perfectly imagine what my reaction would have been," the veteran coach added with a laugh.

Priske himself took the situation in stride after the final whistle. "It was a misunderstanding, and the responsibility is mine," he said. "Although, I have to admit, it wasn't a bad moment to make a mistake..."

The Mistake Didn't Stop the Win

Ebrima Singhateh came on in place of Brunes and immediately won a penalty. Team captain Adam Karabec converted the spot kick, and Sparta went on to thrash their opponents 4:0.

"I apologized to everyone in the dressing room, even though the decision ended up working out. Singhateh won us a penalty, so maybe it was a bit of divine intervention," Priske concluded with a smile.

Source: denik.cz