Manager facing four-month ban after fighting opponent in touchline fracas

A Ligue 1 manager is reportedly facing a four-month ban after fighting an opposition player in a touchline fracas that broke out during Lille ’s goalless draw with Metz.

Frederic Antonetti is in his second spell in charge of Metz, but has been unable to drag them out of the relegation zone this season, with last Friday’s draw leaving them second bottom of the French top-flight.

Tensions boiled over at the Stade Pierre Mauroy after Lille star Edon Zhegrova was sent off in stoppage time, with a fight breaking out on the touchline between the two teams.

Antonetti himself was involved, with the Metz boss coming to blows with Lille sporting director Sylvain Armand and being sent off by referee Bastien Dechepy in the aftermath.

It was Antonetti’s third red card of the season and leaves him facing a heavy sanction by the French football authorities, the LFP.

According to RMC Sport, an investigation is set to be launched on Wednesday by the LFP’s disciplinary committee.

It is stated that the committee could hand Antonetti a ban between either two matches, for excessive behaviour, and four months, for ‘attempted brutality’.

The body are set to examine footage taken by broadcaster Amazon Prime, who had an isolated camera on Antonetti at the game.

Antonetti launched a furious defence of his actions following the game, accusing Lille players and staff of ‘attacking’ him.

“Why are we putting pressure? They have nothing to do in the box. You want me to let myself go and we lose the match on a pressure shot?” he fumed.

“Because that's what happens [...] I do not condone my behaviour. I say that when I am attacked, I respond.

“If I slap you, do you respond or not? Me when I am attacked, I respond I said to leave us alone and