‘It was abnormal, it will never happen again’ – Former colleagues defend Paulo Fonseca amid off-field struggles following his referee outburst | OneFootball

Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca has come under increased scrutiny recently following his actions during OL’s 2-1 victory against Brest. The Portuguese head coach reacted infurtiatedly at a decision made by Benoit Millot and confronted the French referee head-on.

On Wednesday evening, the former Lille manager will stand before the LFP disciplinary committee after his outburst against the French referee. A 7-month suspension could be awaiting the Lyon head coach. He has openly apologised in a letter and voluntarily offered to partake in community service after owning up to his actions, but this may not be seen as enough to prevent a severe sanction against him.

However, one factor Fonseca is unlikely to bring up in his defense is the personal turmoil he is facing. The former Shakhtar boss is grappling with the estrangement of his in-laws, who reside in Ukraine. His wife, a Ukrainian national, and their children are currently in Italy, adding to his separation issues. The weight of these struggles, compounded by distance and uncertainty, appears to have had a heavy impact on the Portuguese coach.

Despite his circumstances, this is not expected to influence any sanction that the OL boss receives. After previously being scrutinised for outbursts against officials, the former AC Milan manager has seen criticism levied at him for being a confrontational character and for his aggressive reactions towards referees.

This is a sentiment that those who have worked with him and for him disagree with. Former Lille defender José Fonte believes these reactions were out of character for the Lyon head coach, “Paulo has always been a respectful, polite and professional person. Everyone who worked with him and was around him knows that. It was an abnormal and exceptional situation, and I am sure it will never happen again.”

Fonte’s opinion has been echoed by those that Fonseca has worked with closely, including Deco and his former sporting director at Roma, Tiago Pinto. The Barcelona sporting director said, “Paulo Fonseca has always been an exemplary professional, both on and off the pitch… Stressful situations happen in football, but that does not erase Paulo Fonseca’s seriousness and commitment to the sport.”

Now sporting director at Bournemouth, Pinto said, The event of the match against Brest does not reflect Paulo’s personality in any way; it is, in my opinion, an isolated case. I believe that a combination of exceptional factors led Paulo to act in this way.”

Fonseca is said to be affected by the ongoing geopolitical situation in Ukraine, which has been heightened following talks involving US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This could offer a potential glimpse into the increased tension that forced the outbreak with Milot.

GFFN | Liam Wraith