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Lyon Coach Faces Lengthy Ban for Confronting Referee During Match

Paulo Fonseca apologized after an aggressive altercation with referee Benoît Millot, prompting disciplinary action from both Lyon and the French league.

  • Paulo Fonseca, Lyon's coach, was sent off during stoppage time in a 2-1 win over Brest after reacting angrily to a potential penalty decision.
  • Fonseca confronted referee Benoît Millot in an aggressive manner, reportedly making slight physical contact, and had to be restrained by Lyon players.
  • The French league's disciplinary committee is reviewing the incident, with Fonseca potentially facing a suspension of up to seven months under league regulations.
  • Lyon's general director confirmed the club will sanction Fonseca, who has since apologized publicly and in writing to the match officials.
  • The incident follows recent tensions involving French referees, including a 15-match ban for Marseille's president over accusations of corruption.
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