Lyon owner John Textor has argued Paulo Fonsca to remain in his role as a coach after describing the ban on nine months as “clearly very serious”.
Fonseca gave the ratification yesterday after pushing his head on the face of referee Benoit Millot during Sunday’s game with Brest.
The Portuguese approached the officer with anger, while VAR examined a Brest claim for a sentence. The spot was not given, but Fonsca had already lost control and was duly sent.
Ligue de Football Professional announced its ratification yesterday, the FONSECA decision will be excluded from access to Dugout, the dressing rooms of officials and participating in any official functions before, during or after racing until November 30.
It is also forbidden to go to the dressing room, the pitch, the tunnel and the corridors that lead to these areas until September 15.
Lyon immediately stated that he would appeal, but there were also speculations that the club would seem to cut the links with Fasonca despite the fact that it was defined only at the end of January.
A little fonsca delivered text support
The Textor, however, threw his support behind Milan’s former boss, who had his 52nd birthday yesterday.
Writing on Instagram, the American said: “Happy Birthday Paulo.
“I’m standing with you today and always. You made a mistake, your apology was honest and your punishment is very serious.
“You are the right person for ol and we will insist. Allez l’Al!”
Fonseca will be on the touch line in Romania tonight
Lyon is sixth in Ligue 1 and Face Steaua Bucharest in Romania tonight in the first leg of the Europa League 16 draw, a game in which Fonsca can perform his duties normally, as his ratification is currently only for domestic games.
Speaking on Monday, Millot said he was overwhelmed by Fonsca’s aggressive approach.
The official told L’Equipe: “He jumped me with an intimidating attitude and I decided to send him immediately. He continued to be spiral out of control.
“He had an even more intense attitude, trying to give a blow, in fact. A headbutt. I didn’t even have time to announce the final decision, which proved to be not sentenced. There seems to be a little nose contact to be precise.”
Longoria also in hot water
Fonsca’s actions came hot on the heels of Marseille President Pablo Longoria who was hit by a ban on 15 matches for comments for referee Jeremy Stinat.
Longoria opposed Stinat, which was appointed in Marseille’s game against Auxerre, who lost 3-0, accusing the “true corruption” after the defender Derek Cornelius.
