Former Milan coach Fonseca banned until Nov 30 for aggressive gesture to referee

Former Milan coach Paulo Fonseca has been given a huge nine-month ban for head-butting the referee during his tenure at Olympique Lyonnais.

The Portuguese tactician has had a torrid campaign, as he was hired by Milan over the summer of 2024 and then fired on December 30, to be replaced by Sergio Conceicao.

He lasted for just 12 victories, six draws and six defeats, during which he also got into trouble for his angry reaction to referees in Serie A.

Fonseca took it a step further in Ligue 1 when he was appointed by Olympique Lyonnais on January 31.

Fonseca career goes off the rails

After three wins and two defeats, he was sent off for dissent during the 2-1 victory over Brest on March 2.

As Benoit Millot was flashing the red card, the coach screamed in his face and pressed his forehead against that of the referee.

It was considered an attempted headbutt and a very aggressive gesture, with Millot later telling L’Equipe he felt frightened.

Fonseca apologised afterwards, admitting it was “the wrong thing to do,” but it was reported he could risk a seven-month ban.

The verdict came in this evening from the LFP and is even more extraordinary, as the ban runs to November 30 – nine months.

On top of that, the ban means he cannot even step into the locker room before September 15, until well into next season.

Fonseca cannot be in the locker room before the match or at half-time until September 15.

It now remains to be seen if Lyon will stick with Fonseca or fire him.