LYON, France — The French football club Lyon has announced its intention to discipline its coach, Paulo Fonseca, after he erupted in a fit of anger and confronted a referee during a recent league match. The altercation came during a critical moment in the game, where Lyon secured a 2-1 victory against Brest. Tension heightened as Fonseca reacted furiously to a potential penalty call for Brest and was subsequently dismissed in the dying seconds of stoppage time.
Following his expulsion, Fonseca aggressively approached referee Benoît Millot, invading his personal space before Lyon captain Corentin Tolisso intervened to pull him away. Not deterred, Fonseca attempted a second approach, only to be held back by his own players. The coach’s actions have led to a summons by the French league’s disciplinary committee, which could result in a significant suspension.
Laurent Prud’homme, Lyon’s general director, confirmed on Monday that disciplinary measures would be taken against Fonseca by the club, though he did not disclose specific details. “We do not condone what occurred,” Prud’homme expressed. “It was an impulsive act that we do not wish to see repeated. However, it’s important to note that Fonseca has apologized for his behavior.”
After the match, Fonseca promptly extended his apologies to Millot, acknowledging his misconduct. In a show of sincerity, he also reached out to the officiating team with a formal apology, a gesture Prud’homme pointed out was initiated without prompting from the club. In response to the incident, referee Millot described Fonseca’s demeanor as “unacceptable,” noting the intensity and aggression he faced. “Fonseca charged at me in a menacing manner, leading me to take immediate action and eject him,” Millot recounted. “There was a slight physical contact, a particularly severe and aggressive posture, unbecoming of a professional coach.”
This incident follows in the wake of recent tensions involving French refereeing, notably after Marseille president Pablo Longoria’s allegations of “true corruption” against French referees, which led to his 15-match suspension. Fonseca joined Lyon earlier this year, stepping in to replace former coach Pierre Sage. The scenario now raises significant questions about the professional conduct expected from key figures within the sport.
