With just days to go before Siyabonga Ngezana's FCSB take on Olympique Lyon in the UEFA Europa League, the manager of the French giants, Paulo Fonseca, could be facing a seven-month ban.
FCSB will now shift their attention to the Europa League after maintaining their position at the top of the Romanian SuperLiga standings this past weekend, following a 0-0 draw with Rapid Bucure?ti.
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On Thursday, the Romanian side will host Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 clash.
Going into the match, the French club are facing a major setback, as their manager has landed himself in trouble.
Lyon claimed a 2-1 victory over Brest in Ligue 1 on Sunday.
However, the result was overshadowed by Fonseca's shocking outburst, as the Portuguese tactician was sent off for angrily confronting match referee Benoît Millot.
A visibly furious Fonseca shouted at the referee before proceeding to butt heads with the official.
After the game, Fonseca issued an apology for his behaviour, telling DAZN: "I apologise for this gesture. I shouldn't do that. Football makes us do bad gestures. The match was very difficult."
However, his apology may not be enough, as his actions are said to fall under Article 8 of the Ligue 1 rules, which pertains to "intimidating or threatening behaviour".
According to RMC Sport, any head coach or club executive found guilty of this towards a referee during a game faces a seven-month ban, as per the laws of France's top flight.
Notably, the ban would not affect Fonseca in the Europa League, as it would only apply in France.
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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