Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca gets nine-month ban for confronting referee

Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca has been handed a lengthy suspension after aggressively confronting referee Benoit Millot during his side’s 2-1 victory over Brest on 2 March.

The 52-year-old Portuguese coach, who was sent off for pushing his face toward the official, has been banned from all matchday duties until 30 November, the French Professional Football League confirmed. He is prohibited from accessing the bench, officials’ dressing rooms, and performing any official functions before, during, or after matches. Additionally, he is barred from the team dressing room, pitch, tunnel, and surrounding corridors until 15 September.

Lyon acknowledged the “extreme severity” of the ruling and criticized the speed of the decision. The club, currently sixth in Ligue 1, argued that Fonseca’s punishment was excessive for what they described as an emotional reaction rather than a physical attack. They are exploring potential appeals.

Fonseca, who took charge of Lyon on 31 January after leaving AC Milan, apologized for the incident. His team is set to face FCSB in the Europa League on Thursday (17:45 GMT).

Referee Millot, speaking to L’Equipe, defended his decision, claiming Fonseca’s actions were “intimidating” and that he attempted a headbutt. “He jumped at me with an aggressive attitude. There was slight contact of the nose,” Millot said.

Fonseca’s suspension comes amid heightened tensions between referees and club officials in France. The French referees’ union recently warned that its members could withdraw from officiating if threats and abuse continue, following criticism from Marseille president Pablo Longoria, who received a 15-match ban for accusing officials of “true corruption.”