Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca has been handed a nine-month suspension from his matchday duties for angrily confronting referee Benoit Millot during Lyon’s 2-1 win over Brest on March 2. The 52-year-old Portuguese coach, who had been sent off for his actions, will be barred from accessing key areas including the team bench, officials’ rooms, and pitch until November 30. His access to the dressing room, tunnel, and surrounding areas will be restricted until mid-September.
The French Professional Football League described the sanction as unprecedented in severity, and Lyon expressed concern over the swift decision. The club also expressed disappointment that Fonseca was not solely judged on his emotional outburst and emphasized that he had no clear intention of physically attacking the referee. Lyon is exploring possible avenues of appeal.
Fonseca, who joined Lyon on January 31, apologized after the incident, which occurred following a penalty review that was not awarded to Brest. Referee Millot claimed Fonseca’s aggressive approach, which escalated to what he described as an attempt to headbutt him, prompted the red card.