Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca given 9-month suspension for referee confrontation

Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca has been suspended from matchday duties until 30 November after an altercation with referee Benoit Millot during his side’s 2-1 win over Brest on 2 March.

The French Professional Football League (LFP) confirmed the ruling on Wednesday, barring the Portuguese coach from the bench, officials’ dressing rooms, and all match-related activities before, during, or after games.

Additionally, he is restricted from entering the team dressing room, pitch, tunnel, and corridors leading to those areas until 15 September.

Fonseca, 52, was sent off after a review of a potential penalty for Brest, which was ultimately not awarded. Millot described Fonseca’s reaction as “intimidating,” stating the Lyon boss “jumped at me” and “attempted to deliver a blow, in fact. A headbutt. There seemed to be a slight contact of the nose.”

Lyon expressed disappointment with the severity and speed of the punishment, calling it “unprecedented” and arguing Fonseca was not judged solely on his actions. The club is considering an appeal.

Fonseca 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).

The incident comes amid growing tensions between referees and club officials in France. Last week, the French referees’ union warned of potential match withdrawals if officials or their families face threats, following Marseille president Pablo Longoria’s remarks on officiating.

Longoria received a 15-match ban after calling a referee’s decision in Marseille’s 3-0 loss to Auxerre “true corruption.”