Official | Lyon head coach Paulo Fonseca hit with 9-month ban | OneFootball

Lyon head coach Paulo Fonseca has been hit with a 9-month ban for confronting Ligue 1 referee Benoît Millot, Ligue 1’s Disciplinary Committee has announced this Wednesday. The Portuguese manager – who just turned 52 today – is now suspended until November 30. Such a severe punishment was to be expected as Fonseca risked a minimum of 7 months out for confronting an official. His outburst occurred on Sunday in the dying minutes of Lyon’s 2-1 home win against Brest.

Referee Benoît Millot was called to the on-pitch monitor to review an incident that could have handed Brest a last-minute spot-kick when Fonseca lost the plot, angrily shouting at Millot. The latter handed the former AC Milan a red card. The Portuguese head coach then went head against head with Millot and continued to vent his rage. Lyon midfielder Corentin Tolisso had to step in to separate the OL coach from the referee.

As per the Disciplinary Committee’s press release, Fonseca is now forbidden to gain access to Lyon’s dugout and the officials’ dressing room before, during and after an official game until November 30. What’s more, Fonseca is also forbidden to get in touch with Lyon players before and after an official game until September 15. Lyon will play FCSB on Thursday in the Europa League R016. Fonseca’s ban could be extended to international competitions should the French FA take the matter to UEFA and FIFA. Fonseca replaced the dismissed Pierre Sage on January 31.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval