Matteo Ciceri of Union Mulazzano Receives Extended Suspension After Disguised Sideline Incident

Matteo Ciceri, the coach of Italian third division side Union Mulazzano, has been handed an extended suspension following an unusual attempt to bypass his existing ban. Already prohibited from being in the match area, Ciceri disguised himself as a priest during a league match, an act that ultimately led to a further four-month suspension.

The incident took place in the province of Lodi during a Serie C fixture against Asd Galgagnano on October 26, 2025. Ciceri was serving a suspension that barred him from the technical area until November 24, 2025. Despite this, he chose to attend the match in a cassock, positioning himself on a ladder beside the pitch to provide tactical instructions to his players covertly.

This unconventional approach was quickly uncovered, as documented in the referee's report submitted to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). The report details that around the 82nd minute of the game (37 minutes into the second half), Ciceri, still disguised, entered the playing field and kicked an opposing player. Later, at the 93rd minute, following his team’s equalizing goal, he again entered the field to celebrate with his players and verbally insult the opposition, actions that compounded his disciplinary breaches.

As a result of these violations, the FIGC reviewed the case and decided to impose an additional four-month suspension on Ciceri. The coach holds a UEFA B license, highlighting his formal coaching qualifications despite the disciplinary issues. Alongside Ciceri's extended ban, Union Mulazzano’s club president received a two-month suspension, and the club itself was fined 500 euros, reflecting the governing body's response to the broader misconduct surrounding the incident.

This episode has significant implications for both Ciceri and Union Mulazzano. The coach’s extended absence from the bench will impact the team’s management and tactical leadership during a critical phase of the season. The club must also navigate the consequences of the president’s suspension and the financial penalty, which could affect administrative operations and overall club discipline.

Looking ahead, Union Mulazzano will need to appoint an interim coach or adjust their coaching structure to maintain competitive performance in the Italian third division while Ciceri serves his suspension. The club’s next fixtures will test their resilience and adaptability under these challenging circumstances. Meanwhile, the football authorities’ firm stance signals a clear message about adherence to disciplinary rules and the limits of circumventing sanctions in professional football.