Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca has been banned from matchday duties for nearly nine months following a confrontation with referee Benoit Millot during Lyon’s 2-1 win over Brest on March 2. Fonseca, 52, was sent off for aggressively confronting Millot.
The French Professional Football League stated he is barred from entering the officials' dressing rooms, using the bench, or performing any match-related duties until November 30. Further restrictions — including access to the tunnel, team dressing room, pitch, and nearby hallways — apply until September 15.
Lyon criticized the severity and speed of the punishment, arguing Fonseca's reaction was emotional, not a physical attack, and are considering an appeal.
Fonseca, who joined Lyon from AC Milan on January 31, apologized for his actions. His team, currently sixth in Ligue 1, faces FCSB in the Europa League on Thursday.
Referee Millot explained Fonseca was dismissed for a "menacing" approach after a review of Brest’s behavior and a missed penalty decision. The French referees’ organization recently warned they would strike if their safety or their families' safety was threatened, following comments by Marseille’s president that led to online abuse of an official.