Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi has called Delio Rossi's actions during Sampdoria's 3-1 win over Roma 'embarrassing'.
Rossi had a heated exchange with Roma defender Nicolas Burdisso, during which he allegedly stuck his middle finger up at the player.
The Sampdoria coach was given his marching orders after the incident, and De Rossi has slammed his actions.
"I must say that Rossi was a little over the top, embarrassing even. He took the populist route by raising his middle finger against a player," De Rossi said.
"If that was me, I'd ask myself a few questions."
De Rossi also spoke about the disappointment in the Roma dressing room after the defeat, and said he was looking to find his rhythm again after a difficult spell under previous coach Zdenek Zeman.
"Disappointment reigns supreme in the dressing room but what comforts us is that we can still bounce back," he said.
"I can and must do more, I failed to play two or three games in a row between September and October and now I have to find my rhythm. With Mr Zeman, we always talked about problems or incompatibility, due to my supposed lack of desire to train or play on the field.
"I had a civil relationship with him, but of course, I am sorry that I was not playing and I am convinced that we could both have done better."