Lyon Coach Paulo Fonseca Suspended for Nine Months After Sideline Outburst

Fonseca, who recently joined Olympique Lyon, faces a lengthy ban for aggressive behavior toward a referee during a Ligue 1 match.

Paulo Fonseca, head coach of Olympique Lyon, has been banned from coaching on the sidelines until November 30, 2025, following an altercation with a referee.
The French football league's disciplinary commission also prohibited Fonseca from entering the team's locker room on matchdays until September 15, 2025.
The incident occurred during a Ligue 1 match against Stade Brest, where Fonseca reacted angrily to a potential penalty decision, leading to his ejection and confrontation with referee Benoît Millot.
Fonseca's behavior, described as physically intimidating, included shouting in the referee's face and allegedly suggesting a headbutt, though no physical contact occurred.
Despite the suspension, Fonseca remains eligible to coach in UEFA competitions, including Lyon's upcoming Europa League match against FCSB Bukarest.