Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca has been handed a nearly nine-month suspension from all matchday duties following an aggressive confrontation with a referee.
The incident occurred during Lyon’s 2-1 victory over Brest on March 2, when the 52-year-old was sent off after he confronted referee Benoit Millot, getting in his face.
The French Professional Football League announced that Fonseca will be prohibited from accessing the team bench, the officials’ dressing rooms, and conducting any official duties before, during, or after matches until November 30.
Additionally, he is banned from entering the team dressing room, pitch, tunnel, and corridors leading to those areas until September 15.
Lyon expressed concern over “the extreme severity of the unprecedented sanction,” noting their disappointment in the rapid imposition of the penalty. The seven-time French champions, currently sixth in Ligue 1, emphasized that Fonseca’s actions were an “emotional reaction” and not indicative of a clear intent to physically assault the referee, and they are actively exploring all potential avenues for an appeal.
Fonseca, who took charge of the club on January 31 after leaving AC Milan the previous month, issued an apology following the incident. His team is scheduled to face FCSB in the Europa League on Thursday (17:45 GMT).
The confrontation began after a review of a potential penalty for Brest, which was ultimately not awarded. Millot cited Fonseca’s “intimidating attitude” as the reason for the dismissal, stating, “He jumped at me with an intimidating demeanor, which led me to issue the red card immediately. The situation escalated further.”
Millot described that Fonseca’s behavior included what seemed to be an attempt at a headbutt, occurring before he could announce his decision regarding the penalty.
In light of recent events, the French referee’s union has indicated that its members may withdraw from matches if they or their families are subjected to threats, particularly following a surge of hostility directed at officials after controversial comments made by Marseille president Pablo Longoria.
