Olympique Lyon manager punished with a nine-month ban for confronting the match official against Brest

Paulo Fonseca has been handed a lengthy nine-month ban by the FFF. (Image credits - FMT, License Details)

Olympique Lyon manager, Paulo Fonseca, has been handed a mammoth nine-month ban following an aggressive altercation with the match official, John Textor, during Sunday’s Ligue 1 clash.

The Portuguese coach was sent off in Lyon’s match against Brest, having joined the French giants just four weeks ago, replacing the former manager Pierre Sage.

The French Football Federation has slapped a huge ban on Fonseca, prohibiting him from sitting in the dugout until 30th November, 2025.

He is also prohibited from accessing the team's dressing room until September, completely restricting his involvement with the team during matchdays.

Justifying the heavy punishment, the commission president, Sebastien Deneux, said, “By throwing himself at the referee and shouting at him (Fonseca), he displayed an intimidating and threatening attitude," as per ESPN. (sic)

Lyon are in massive trouble now

The French giants are in a huge mess at the moment following the devastating news that shocked the world of football.

Having sacked their previous manager just a few weeks ago, Fonseca’s ban disrupts Lyon’s plans of bringing stability into their team.

Just when the fans saw some glimmer of positivity, with their team securing two back-to-back wins, the massive news completely shocked and devastated them.

The Les Gones have already been struggling this season, standing in sixth place in the Ligue 1 points table, with just 39 points. 

Their performance has been quite subpar as per their high standards, being a club that aims to challenge the mighty PSG for the league title each and every season.

Not the first time in FFF’s history

It is not the first time in French football’s history that the France Football Federation did not hesitate to impose a lengthy ban for disrespectful acts towards match officials.

Just a few days ago, Marseille’s president, Pablo Longoria, was handed a 15-match ban for pointing out the suspected corruption by the match officials. 

With Paulo Fonseca’s ban coming just 7 days after Longoria’s ban, the commission president, Sebastien Deneux, further clarified the decision, stating, as per ESPN, "The commission regrets that once again a major figure in Ligue 1 has demonstrated such behaviour.” (sic)

He further added, “Mr. Fonseca is a coach in Ligue 1; he is above all a teacher, and it goes without saying this attitude is completely incompatible with his duties.” (sic)