Paulo Fonseca gets banned for 9 months after arguing with referee

Following his intense altercation with a referee, Paulo Fonseca was given a nine-month ban.In a Ligue 1 match against Brest, the Lyon manager had faced off against official Benoit Millot.In a disciplinary decision announced on Wednesday, the French league also barred Fonseca from the locker room and player access at games until September 15.Only domestic matches are subjected to the ban, therefore Fonseca can play in Thursday's Europa League match, which is run by UEFA. 

Lyon takes on FCSB in the round of 16 first leg in Romania. During the stoppage time on Sunday, with Lyon leading 2-1, Paulo Fonseca angrily questioned referee Benoit Millot regarding a possible penalty for Brest. Fonseca approached the referee after being issued a card, leaned very near to his face, and was pulled away by Lyon captain Corentin Tolisso. Two Lyon players grabbed Fonseca when he attempted to approach the referee a second time.The prohibition against Fonseca will expire on November 30. 

After being sent off for dissent during the March 2 match, which concluded in a 2-1 victory over Brest, the Portuguese manager squared up and then pressed his forehead into the referee. The act was regarded as a head-butt and extremely hostile gesture, especially when combined with yelling in the referee's face. Fonseca had been in charge of Lyon for five games after being brought on board by the American owner of the team, John Textor, in January.

AC Milan sacked Paulo Fonseca

In December, after only six months in charge, AC Milan sacked the Portuguese coach.  Fonseca had no intention of physically attacking the referee, and Lyon expressed sadness on Wednesday that he was penalized for his passionate outburst.  The club is evaluating an appeal and has taken note of the French soccer refereeing controversy.  Last Monday, Marseille's president Pablo Longoria was suspended for 15 games for accusing French referees of "true corruption."