PSG sporting director Leonardo given a ninth-month suspension

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has been given a ninth-month suspension after being convicted of shoving of referee.

The suspension relates to all official duties. He is also prohibited to present on the touchline during PSG matches. PSG have been also initially given a punishment of three points deduction, but then the disciplinary commission has overturned that part of the decision.

Leonardo was convicted of shoving referee Alexandre Castro in the tunnel after PSG’s 1-1 draw with Valenciennes on May 5. The incident has been captured on video by Canal Plus. Leonardo has been frustrated with referee’s decision to dismiss Thiago Silva in the opening half of the game for arguing with the referee.

The club has been angered at the toughness of the punishment and plan to appeal the decision.

The statement on official PSG web-site read: “Paris St Germain takes note of the decision of the LFP disciplinary committee to suspend Leonardo, the team’s sporting director, for a nine-month period, and to sanction the club by a conditional withdrawal of three points.
“In the light of the material elements submitted to the members of the disciplinary committee, Paris St Germain considers this decision to be unjustified and extremely harsh.

“As a result, and in solidarity with their sporting director, Paris St Germain will appeal this decision.”