Rule No. 17C of the ‘mouthing off’ handbook: if you’re going to mouth off to your coach, don’t get your (bleep) kicked! … On camera.

Fiorentina midfielder Adem Ljajic failed on both counts yesterday. Apparently displeased with being subbed out during the first half against Novara, he decided to say something to coach Delio Rossi. Rossi then decided to put the smack down with his coach/pimp hand!

After reviewing the tape, this was an easy decision for me: I scored it 10-8 in favor of the winner, and still psycho coaching champion, Delio Rossi! (Cut to me handing Rossi the Bobby Knight Trophy).

Of course, Rossi was fired for this incident and the Serie A has banned him for three months.

Said Fiorentina president Andrea Della Valle:

“It’s the most painful decision of my career. Rossi was provoked, but nothing justifies a reaction like that.”

Said Rossi:

“If he dies, he dies.” (Ivan Drago voice.)