Lyon owner John Textor has backed Paulo Fonseca to remain in his role as coach after describing his near nine-month touchline ban as “clearly too severe”.
Fonseca was handed the sanction yesterday after pushing his head into the face of referee Benoit Millot during Sunday’s game with Brest.
The Portuguese approached the official in anger while the VAR was examining a Brest claim for a penalty. The spot-kick was not given but Fonseca had already lost control and was duly sent off.
The Ligue de Football Professional announced his sanction yesterday, ruling Fonseca will be barred from accessing the dugout, the officials’ dressing rooms, and participating in any official functions before, during or after matches until November 30.
He is also banned from going to the team dressing room, pitch, tunnel and corridors leading to those areas until September 15.
Lyon immediately said they would appeal but there was also speculation the club would look to cut ties with Fonseca despite him only being appointed at the end of January.
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Paulo Fonseca handed Textor support
Textor, however, has thrown his backing behind the former AC Milan boss, who had his 52nd birthday yesterday.
Writing on Instagram, the American said: “Happy birthday Paulo.
“I stand with you today and always. You made a mistake, your apology was sincere and your punishment clearly too severe.
“You are the right man for OL and we shall persevere. Allez L’OL!”
Fonseca will be on the touchline in Romania tonight
Lyon are sixth in Ligue 1 and face Steaua Bucharest in Romania tonight in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie, a game in which Fonseca can carry out his duties normally as his sanction currently applies to domestic games only.
Speaking on Monday, Millot said he was shocked by Fonseca’s aggressive approach.
The official told L’Equipe: “He jumped at me with an intimidating attitude, and I decided to send him off directly. It continued to spiral out of control.
“He had an even more intense attitude, attempting to deliver a blow, in fact. A headbutt. I didn’t even have time to announce the final decision, which turned out to be not awarding a penalty. There seemed to be a slight contact of the nose, to be precise.”
Longoria also in hot water
Fonseca’s actions came hot on the heels of Marseille president Pablo Longoria being hit with a 15-match ban for comments he made about referee Jeremy Stinat.
Longoria objected to Stinat being appointed to Marseille’s game against Auxerre, which they lost 3-0, blaming “true corruption” after defender Derek Cornelius was sent-off.
