Olympique Lyon Coach Paulo Fonseca Receives Nine-Month Suspension for Confronting Referee
Olympique Lyonnais head coach Paulo Fonseca has been handed a nine-month suspension following an intense confrontation with referee Benoit Millot — a decision the club has labeled as “excessive” and “unprecedented.”
The incident occurred after Lyon’s 2-1 win over Brest on Sunday when Fonseca confronted Millot, shouting at him before receiving a red card and being escorted away by his players.
On Wednesday, France’s Professional Football League (LFP) announced that Fonseca is barred from the bench, the referees’ locker room, and all official match-related activities before, during, and after games until November 30. Additionally, until September 15, he is prohibited from entering the players’ locker room, pitch, stadium tunnel, and corridors leading to these areas.
However, the suspension does not extend to European competitions, allowing Fonseca to coach Lyon in Thursday’s Europa League clash against Romanian club FCSB, according to the Associated Press.
Ligue 1 released a YouTube video explaining the incident, commending Millot for handling Fonseca’s “violent behavior” with “remarkable composure.” The French referees’ union (SAFE) condemned any form of physical contact with match officials, calling it an “act of brutality.”
Fonseca’s frustration was triggered by Millot’s stoppage-time VAR review for a potential Brest penalty, which was ultimately not given. The Portuguese coach later expressed regret for his actions during a post-match press conference.
Last week, SAFE warned that its members might step down if threats to referees and their families persisted. The disciplinary committee acted swiftly, implementing the ban just three days after the incident.
In an official statement, Lyon expressed strong discontent with the punishment, arguing that the ruling was influenced by broader tensions surrounding officiating in France.
“Olympique Lyonnais acknowledges the extreme severity of this unprecedented sanction and the unusual speed with which the disciplinary committee ruled on Paulo Fonseca’s case,” the club stated.
“The club regrets that its coach was not judged solely on his actions—an emotional outburst with no evident intent to physically harm the referee. Given the disproportionate nature of this decision, OL is exploring all avenues of appeal. Now, more than ever, we remain united and focused on our sporting goals.”
Lyon’s owner, John Textor, echoed this sentiment, posting a birthday message for Fonseca on Instagram, stating:
You made a mistake, and you apologized. But your punishment is clearly too severe. You are the right man for OL, and we will persevere.
Fonseca’s wife, Katerina, also voiced her outrage on Instagram, calling the ruling “absurd, scandalous, and unprecedented.”
As Lyon continues to push for Europa League success and maintain its top-six position in Ligue 1, the club remains determined to challenge the ruling.