Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca has been suspended until 30 November for angrily confronting referee Benoit Millot
\n Lyon
\nLyon manager Paulo Fonseca has been suspended from matchday duties until 30 November after an altercation with referee Benoit Millot during his side\u2019s 2-1 win over Brest on 2 March.
\nThe French Professional Football League (LFP) confirmed the ruling on Wednesday, barring the Portuguese coach from the bench, officials\u2019 dressing rooms, and all match-related activities before, during, or after games.
\nAdditionally, he is restricted from entering the team dressing room, pitch, tunnel, and corridors leading to those areas until 15 September.
\nFonseca, 52, was sent off after a review of a potential penalty for Brest, which was ultimately not awarded. Millot described Fonseca\u2019s reaction as \u201cintimidating,\u201d stating the Lyon boss \u201cjumped at me\u201d and \u201cattempted to deliver a blow, in fact. A headbutt. There seemed to be a slight contact of the nose.\u201d
\nLyon expressed disappointment with the severity and speed of the punishment, calling it \u201cunprecedented\u201d and arguing Fonseca was not judged solely on his actions. The club is considering an appeal.
\nFonseca apologised following the incident. He had only taken charge of Lyon on 31 January after departing AC Milan. His team are currently sixth in Ligue 1 and are set to face FCSB in the Europa League on Thursday (17:45 GMT).
\nThe incident comes amid growing tensions between referees and club officials in France. Last week, the French referees\u2019 union warned of potential match withdrawals if officials or their families face threats, following Marseille president Pablo Longoria\u2019s remarks on officiating.
\nLongoria received a 15-match ban after calling a referee\u2019s decision in Marseille\u2019s 3-0 loss to Auxerre \u201ctrue corruption.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca has been suspended until 30 November for angrily confronting referee Benoit Millot Lyon Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca has been suspended from matchday duties until 30 November after an altercation with referee Benoit Millot during his side\u2019s 2-1 win over Brest on 2 March. The French Professional Football League (LFP) confirmed the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-465687","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-sports"},"yoast_head":"\n