Internal Clash Overshadows FC Lugano Friendly Against Viktoria Plzen
What was meant to be a routine preseason tune-up for FC Lugano took an unexpected turn, as an on-field incident between teammates sparked controversy and forced an official response.
A Friendly That Turned Tense
A preseason match is usually about fine-tuning details and building chemistry. That was the plan for FC Lugano of the Swiss Super League, but their friendly defeat against Viktoria Plzen quickly drifted far from that script.
Beyond the 4–2 loss, an internal incident stole the spotlight and ignited debate, after footage circulating on social media showed a direct confrontation between two Lugano players during the match.
The Moment That Sparked Controversy
The incident occurred in the 72nd minute as Lugano pressed high up the pitch. Giorgos Koutsias chased down an opponent in an attempt to regain possession.
Out of nowhere, Kevin Behrens, the 34-year-old striker, sprinted in from midfield and forcefully shoved his own teammate to the ground. The push sent the 21-year-old Koutsias sprawling, leaving players and staff visibly stunned.
What Triggered the Clash?
Following the shove, Behrens was heard shouting at Koutsias, telling him to stay put in a heated exchange caught on camera.
According to local media reports, the confrontation stemmed from a disagreement over pressing responsibilities, a tactical difference that escalated into an excessive and public reaction on the pitch.
FC Lugano Responds Publicly
The friendly itself, played in an unusual format of three 45-minute periods, ended 4–2 in favor of Viktoria Plzen, with goals from Kevin Behrens and Claudio Cassano for Lugano. The scoreline, however, quickly became secondary.
Hours later, FC Lugano released an official statement on its website, strongly condemning what it described as a “shameful incident” involving Behrens and Giorgos Koutsias.
Disciplinary Measures Under Review
In the same statement, the club made clear that the matter will be handled internally.
“The situation will be managed and resolved within the club, and disciplinary measures against both players involved will be evaluated,” the statement read.
No specific sanctions have been announced yet, but the episode has cast an unwanted shadow over Lugano’s preseason preparations.
A Distraction No One Expected
What should have been a low-risk preseason rehearsal instead became a disciplinary issue and a reminder of how quickly tensions can surface, even in friendly matches. For FC Lugano, restoring focus and unity now becomes as important as the work done on the training ground.
