Fonseca breaks silence after 9-month Lyon ban: ‘A great injustice’ | OneFootball

Former Milan coach Paulo Fonseca says that the nine-month ban he was given over his touchline conduct in Ligue 1 feels like ‘a great injustice’, but has indicated that he is focussed on the job at hand at Lyon, even if he is not able to take charge of the team on matchdays.

It has been a season to forget for the Portuguese tactician, who was appointed as head coach of Milan at the beginning of the campaign. He then lost his job at the end of the calendar year, before being appointed by Lyon, where things have gone from bad to worse.

On Wednesday, it was confirmed that Fonseca was given a nine-month ban after squaring up to referee Benoit Millot during Sunday’s Ligue 1 match between Lyon and Brest.

Fonseca appeared to go head-to-head with Millot on the touchline after being shown a red card for dissent, but the coach claims he never made any contact with the official, despite claims that there was an attempted headbutt.

It had been reported that Fonseca was at risk of a seven-month ban because of his behaviour on the touchline, but the eventual punishment was even more severe, lasting until November 30.

Fonseca will not be allowed to enter the Lyon dressing room before matches or at half-time until September 15.

Fonseca speaks out on nine-month Lyon ban

epa11755571 Milan’s head coach Paulo Fonseca gestures during the Italian Coppa Italia cup match between AC Milan and Sassuolo Calcio in Milan, Italy, 03 December 2024. EPA-EFE/Daniel Dal Zennaro

Ahead of the Europa League round of 16 match between FCSB and Lyon on Thursday evening, Fonseca was able to share his thoughts on his recent suspension.

“I want to stay focused on tonight’s game, but I feel a great injustice about the decision taken yesterday,” he told Canal+, reported via Milannews.it.

“I want to make it clear that I never touched the referee and I never had any intention of being aggressive.

“The most important thing for me is the support from my club and this incredible group. We have to stay calm for tonight’s crucial match.

“I am ready to continue working, despite this long suspension. We have to find solutions together and organise the team in the best possible way to prepare for these matches.”