Paulo Fonseca, Lyon Manager, handed nine-month ban

Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca has been suspended from all matchday responsibilities for nearly nine months after angrily confronting a referee.

Fonseca was sent off during Lyon’s 2-1 victory over Brest on 2nd March after pushing his face towards referee Benoit Millot.

The French Professional Football League announced that the Portuguese coach would be banned from accessing the bench, the officials’ dressing rooms, and performing any official duties before, during, or after matches until 30th November.

In addition, the suspension also prohibits Fonseca from entering the team’s dressing room, pitch, tunnel, and the corridors leading to these areas until 15th September.

Fonseca, who apologized for the incident, only assumed his role as Lyon’s manager on 31st January, after leaving AC Milan the previous month.