Lyon Coach Paulo Fonseca Suspended for Nine Months After Confrontation with Referee
Fonseca's physical intimidation of referee Benoît Millot during a Lyon-Brest match leads to a lengthy ban, restricting his interaction with players and staff on match days.
- Paulo Fonseca, Lyon's head coach, has been suspended until November 30, 2025, for physically intimidating referee Benoît Millot during a match against Brest on March 2, 2025.
- The suspension prevents Fonseca from entering locker rooms, speaking directly or indirectly with players during matches, or occupying areas near the bench on match days.
- Before Lyon's match against Nice on March 9, Fonseca was seen embracing his players and staff before isolating himself in the team bus and later watching the game from the stands.
- Former Lyon coach Pierre Sage described Fonseca's actions as 'quite crazy' but noted the severity of the nine-month suspension, emphasizing the importance of setting an example in professional football.
- Fonseca's suspension highlights ongoing discussions about behavior and accountability among football professionals, as his actions and punishment draw significant attention in Ligue 1.
Ouest-France 