The former AC Milan boss could be hit with as much as a seven-match ban for a recent infraction
Former AC Milan manager Paulo Fonseca, now in charge at Lyon, is facing a potential seven-month suspension after an explosive confrontation with referee Benoît Millot during Lyon’s dramatic Ligue 1 victory over Brest.
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The incident, which saw the Portuguese tactician go head-to-head with the official, has sparked serious disciplinary action from the LFP’s Disciplinary Committee.
Fonseca’s heated outburst could lead to lengthy ban
The match took a controversial turn in its dying moments when Millot was called to the pitchside monitor to review a potential late penalty decision for Brest.
Paulo Fonseca was Samuel Chukwueze’s second manager at Milan (Credit: Imago)
This review enraged Fonseca, who lost his temper and aggressively confronted the referee. The fiery exchange saw the Lyon coach get in Millot’s face, prompting midfielder Corentin Tolisso to step in and defuse the situation.
Despite issuing an apology in his post-match press conference, Fonseca is unlikely to escape punishment.
Paulo Fonseca | Imago
Ligue 1’s rulebook strictly penalises intimidating or threatening behavior towards match officials, and previous incidents suggest the French football authorities will not take this lightly.
Fonseca could face a ban similar to Marseille’s Pablo Longoria
The disciplinary committee is expected to invoke Article 8 of the LFP rulebook, which outlines strict measures against intimidating behavior towards referees.
Roma manager Paulo Fonseca
The regulation defines intimidation as “words, gestures, or attitudes that could inspire fear” and threats as “any expression of potential harm to someone’s physical integrity”.
Fonseca’s actions bear some resemblance to the recent case involving Marseille president Pablo Longoria, who received a 15-game ban after accusing the league of corruption.
Marseille President Pablo Longoria | Imago
Given that Fonseca physically confronted an official, the Lyon boss could be hit with the full seven-month suspension outlined in the league’s regulations.
If enforced, the ban would be a major blow to Lyon, who are currently fighting for a place in Europe next season.
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