Ghanaians fume at Italian defender for 'punching' Afena-Gyan during AS Roma Conference League celebrations

A bizarre incident in AS Roma’s celebration of their Europa Conference League triumph has left Ghanaians fuming on social media after defender Gianluca Mancini appeared to have punched Ghanaian forward Felix Afena-Gyan.

A viral video from the victory on Wednesday, May 26, 2022 captures the Italian centre back losing his cool after Afena-Gyan went to him during the celebrations.

The encounter could have generated into something nasty but for the intervention of English right back Ainsley Maintland-Niles.

The incident has got Ghanaians who were supporting Jose Mourinho and his men angry as they accuse the Italian centre back of trying to assault one of their own.

Meanwhile, Felix Afena-Gyan has clarified that the bust up was nothing serious and that he and the defender are on good terms.

“It wasn’t serious. We joke and fight at the same. That’s how he is. It’s normal..nothing serious,” he clarified in a WhatsApp conversation with a close associate.

Nicolo Zaniolo only goal in the first half ensured Roma won their first ever European title in the club's history.

Afena-Gyan who did not feature in the game for Roma was full of joy after the game.

TWI NEWS

This isn’t a great look for Mancini… Felix Afena-Gyan is a 19 year old playing his first year with Roma and appears to do nothing wrong, let alone anything to warrant that reaction.

Can anyone explain? pic.twitter.com/4l5EkTZQuq

— Dougie Critchley (@DougieCritchley) May 26, 2022

Felix Afena Gyan clarifies viral encounter with Mancini;

“It wasn’t serious. We joke and fight at the same. That’s how he is. It’s normal..nothing serious” pic.twitter.com/b1vTe7qKPN

— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) May 25, 2022

Is Mancini committing a hate crime? https://t.co/EuoJmeYo6d

— Milito the poet (@Seleka_tt) May 26, 2022

Afena celebrating with Mancini here..was that video of Mancini hitting him a joke? It really looked serious tho https://t.co/nqkpQMqGid

— Frank Darkwah (@Blaqqkoffi) May 25, 2022

Hello @ASRomaEN, we don’t follow you for nothing. Your relationship with Africans is one reason we are glued to u. But this conduct of your player is stupid. What’s the f**k was that from Mancini? We need to see a club statement and a punishment for him ASAP https://t.co/X4OMrnUFl9

— Sheikh Tophic Sienu (@SheikhTophic) May 26, 2022

Roma wins a title in Europe but Mancini decides to fight his teammates. Is he ok? ????????

— Juliet Bawuah (@julietbawuah) May 25, 2022

Mancini hits and punches Afena-Gyan for nothing? Unprovoked? Seriously? https://t.co/aUgr4yycC7

— Frank Darkwah (@Blaqqkoffi) May 25, 2022

Mancini just ruined it for everyone…they surely won’t sweep this under the carpet

— The Fundamentals (@KojoNketsia) May 25, 2022

Does Gianluca Mancini joke with people by trying to beat them up?

— Deji Faremi (@deejayfaremi) May 25, 2022

Afena Gyan says his encounter with Mancini wasn’t serious. They joke and fight at the same. It’s normal..nothing serious ????.. nkraman agorc ben nono.. ufc people sef don’t play like that ..

— ????Broken Heart ???? (@broken_heart490) May 25, 2022

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