David Datro Fofana apologizes for letting frustrations get the better of him in latest Union Berlin defeat

Last night’s 1-0 defeat at home against Napoli in the Champions League group stages means that Union Berlin have now lost nine (9!) matches in a row in all competitions — a rather remarkable achievement and a most unwanted new club record.

There’s no shortage frustration around the club unsurprisingly, with David Datro Fofana letting those get the better of him yesterday as well. The Chelsea loanee, who got another start but is still looking for his first competitive goal for Union after 11 appearances, was subbed off in the 70th minute, but refused to acknowledge his head coach, Urs Fischer, brushing past him in a huff. Fofana had to be calmed down on the bench by his teammates.

Obviously that’s not a good look, and the 20-year-old would eventually put out a statement on social media apologizing for his actions.

“Following my behavior during my exist from the field, I wanted to apologize to the club, the coach, my teammates and the supporters.

“This gesture was not intended and in no way does it represent my attitude, all this was generated as a result of frustration because I wanted to continue helping the team to obtain a positive result.

“We will continue to work and come back even stronger in the championship and in this great competition.”

-David Datro Fofana; source: Instagram

Fofana, who was Union’s most dangerous player in a fairly cagey match, came within inches a couple times to getting his team on the board, first by setting a wonderful goal that was called back for his offside, and then drawing an excellent save from Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret at the near post as well.

So the frustrations are understandable, though obviously his behavior at the end is not quite proper. Fischer announced gravely in his post-match press conference that “there will be a conversation” — though the manager has a few other conversations he needs to attend to as well, including with big-name defender Leonardo Bonucci, who aired his own frustrations as well, about being left on the bench, prior to last night’s game.

In any case, hopefully this proves to be nothing more than just another learning moment for our young loanee.