Vahid Halilhodzic could be banned for rest of season after Nantes-Brest outburst | OneFootball

Vahid Halilhodzic could face a heavy suspension that rules him out for the rest of Nantes’ season after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Brest. According to L'Équipe, the potential punishment follows his conduct during and after the match.

Angered by the VAR-assisted dismissal of defender Dehmaine Tabibou, the Nantes coach was sent off by referee Guillaume Paradis. He then confronted and made contact with fourth official Florent Batta, before team-mate Chidozie Awaziem stepped in, and he repeatedly asked the referee if he had no shame, saying it seven times.

On Ligue1+, he said he was furious and did not understand the red card. He recounted being warned by a young referee not to speak too much or risk suspension, replying that he did not care and could take 10 years because he was done with football. He called for respect and questioned who the official thought he was.

Under the disciplinary code, article 4 for excessive or inappropriate behaviour carries a two-match ban, while article 8 for intimidating or threatening behaviour provides for five months. Any sanction is likely to fall between those extremes. A two-match punishment appears improbable, while five months could be seen as disproportionate.

He is automatically suspended for PSG v Nantes on Wednesday at 19:00. If the ban reaches five matches, he might not return to the bench this season, with five Ligue 1 games remaining and possibly two L1-L2 play-off ties.

The LFP disciplinary commission had planned to examine the case on Wednesday at 18:00, but with Nantes playing at 19:00 at the Parc des Princes in a rearranged fixture from the 26th round, it has been moved to a video hearing on Tuesday at 14:00. The defence can submit written arguments, and a postponement is possible, although that would require rescheduling other disciplinary cases.

Source: L'Équipe