“Intimidating and Aggressive” – French Football League Comes Down Hard on Fonseca
Lyon manager, Paulo Fonseca has been handed a staggering nine-month suspension by the French Professional Football League (FLP) following his fiery confrontation with referee Benoît Millot during Lyon’s controversial 2-1 Ligue 1 victory over Brest on Sunday.
The suspension, confirmed by the FLP Disciplinary Committee on Wednesday, bars Fonseca from the touchline, referees’ dressing rooms, and any official match-related functions until November 30, 2025.
The Incident: Fonseca Loses His Cool
Tensions flared deep into stoppage time when Brest appealed for a last-minute penalty following a potential handball.
Referee Benoît Millot initially hesitated before consulting VAR, which ultimately ruled against awarding the spot-kick.
However, Fonseca, already on edge, exploded in rage at the initial call, storming onto the pitch and confronting Millot face-to-face.
“He rushed toward me with an intimidating attitude, and I decided to send him off directly,” Millot told L’Équipe.
“There was, it seems, a slight contact with the nose. [It was] a particularly intimidating, aggressive attitude, which one can hardly imagine from a professional coach.”
As Millot reached for the red card, Fonseca leaned in even closer, prompting Lyon captain Corentin Tolisso to physically pull his manager away.
Undeterred, Fonseca attempted a second confrontation before Lyon players restrained him.
Lyon Reacts: “Unfair and Disproportionate” Punishment
Lyon has however, slammed the FLP’s decision, accusing the league of using Fonseca as a scapegoat amid growing scrutiny on French refereeing standards.
“In light of a sanction that seems to have been dictated by the negative context affecting French refereeing, [Lyon] announced that it is studying all possible avenues of appeal,” the club said in an official statement.
The club also criticized the speed and severity of the ruling, arguing that Fonseca’s emotional reaction was not meant to harm the referee.
Fonseca Issues Public Apology
Despite Lyon’s outrage, Fonseca himself took responsibility for his actions and expressed regret over the altercation.
“I just want to say that I’m sorry for what I did. I should not do it,” Fonseca told DAZN after the match.
“Maybe we do things that are not right. I’m sorry.”
The Broader Context: A League Under Pressure
The controversy comes at a delicate time for French football, with referees facing increasing hostility from club officials and fans.
Last week, the French referees’ union warned that officials might resign en masse following threats and abuse.
The warning was triggered after Marseille president, Pablo Longoria’s harsh criticism of officiating led to what the union described as an ‘outpouring of hatred’ toward match officials.
With this context, the FLP appears to have set an example with Fonseca, enforcing a punishment that many believe is meant to send a message rather than fit the crime.
What Happens Next?
With Lyon exploring an appeal, the saga is far from over. However, if the suspension stands, Fonseca will not return to the touchline until December, potentially impacting Lyon’s push for European qualification.
The debate over refereeing standards in France continues, but for now, Paulo Fonseca finds himself at the center of one of Ligue 1’s most shocking coaching bans in recent history.
