Ademola Lookman has been told he must leave Atalanta after an incident with La Dea coach Ivan Juric
Atalanta may have secured a dramatic late Champions League win against Marseille, but the night was overshadowed by controversy involving Nigerian star Ademola Lookman.
The Super Eagles forward not only saw a goal chalked off and endured a frustrating evening on the pitch, he later clashed with manager Ivan Juric in a moment that has sparked outrage online and triggered calls for him to leave the club.
A crucial win overshadowed by tension
Atalanta headed into the match under pressure, having won just one of their opening three Champions League games. The team needed a result to regain confidence in Europe, and it came late through a stoppage-time winner sealing their second victory of the campaign.
Lookman started the game as Atalanta sought to revive their UCL form, but the first half offered little action, with both sides failing to create meaningful chances. The Nigerian forward, who recently opened his season account against AC Milan, struggled for service and space, unable to impose himself in attack.
A flash of quality early in the second half briefly changed the atmosphere, as Lookman finished a well-worked move only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Things went downhill from there. Substituted in the 74th minute after what many deemed a subdued display, Lookman’s frustration was evident, but what followed shocked supporters even more than his performance.
Ugly touchline scene triggers fan anger
As Lookman walked off for Yunus Musah, he exchanged heated words with coach Ivan Juric. Cameras captured Juric physically pulling and pushing Lookman, forcing other staff members to intervene and separate the pair.
What should have been a celebratory night quickly became sour, with the incident reigniting discussions about the forward’s strained history at the club.
Fans on social media reacted immediately and fiercely. Many urged Lookman to quit Atalanta, citing his previous clash with former manager Gian Piero Gasperini, who once criticised him as the worst penalty taker he had seen.
One fan wrote, “Pure racism. He should leave the club asap!” Another added, “He should leave next transfer window. If he’s still there after January then he’s not serious.”
After attempting to engineer a move away in the summer, this latest confrontation has intensified speculation over Lookman’s future.
