Fans and pundits side with Lookman after Juric altercation: ‘Completely in the wrong’ – Football Italia

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 30: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Atalanta BC and Club Brugge KV at Stadio di Bergamo on September 30, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

Fans and pundits alike have sided with Ademola Lookman after his argument on the touchline with Atalanta head coach Ivan Juric during their 1-0 victory over Marseille in the Champions League on Wednesday night. 

Juric vs. Lookman: Who was in the wrong?

Atalanta picked up their second Champions League victory of the season through a late, late Lazar Samardzic goal in the final minute of regular time at the Stade Velodrome on Wednesday night. 

Despite his side’s victory, the spotlight fell on head coach Juric after full-time, following his altercation with star forward Lookman on the touchline. 

Ademola Lookman and Atalanta manager Ivan Jurić exchange a few words after the Nigerian forward was subbed off for Yunus Musah 👀 pic.twitter.com/a28hm3b8In

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 5, 2025

Juric decided to take Lookman off in the 75th minute and while the Nigeria international was making his way over to the dugout, he and the coach appeared to be in disagreement, potentially over the substitution decision. Juric then proceeded to grab Lookman by the arm, pulled him back and continued arguing. That drew a frustrated response from the player, who was then taken away by other members of the coaching staff. 

While Lookman has had his various altercations with Atalanta and club officials in the past, various groups of fans and pundits believe that Juric was the one in the wrong on this occasion. 

“When you physically put your hands on somebody, at that point, me and you are not going to have a conversation again. There’s nothing you can say today, tomorrow, next week that makes me forget that you did that in front of everyone,” said Troy Deeney on CBS Sports after full-time. 

Co-pundit Nigel Reo-Coker agreed: “When it comes to responsibility in positions of power, Juric is completely in the wrong there.

“You, as a manager, cannot do that, regardless of what’s been said. You’re a football manager, managing Atalanta, it’s (being broadcast) around the world. You can not do that. If you put your hands on a player physically like that, you’ve lost. Full stop.” 

Various supporters online have also sided with Lookman rather than Juric. One supporter on X wrote: “Lookman didn’t deserve that,” while another commented: “Not a good look, especially if you’re the coach.” 

“When you physically put your hands on somebody, at that point me and you are not going to have a conversation again.”@T_Deeney and Nigel Reo-Coker break down the altercation between Atalanta manager Ivan Jurić and Ademola Lookman ❌ pic.twitter.com/1Bid9DJwTw

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 6, 2025