Metz manager faces possible four-month ban after fighting with director

Metz manager, Frédéric Antonetti, could receive a four-month ban for fighting with the sporting director of Lille during a Ligue 1 game between the two sides.

This campaign, the head coach has struggled to get his team out of the relegation zone. They currently sit in 19th position, and are in the bottom three on goal difference. That is perhaps why he struggled to hold in his anger during the 0-0 draw on February 18.

After Lille’s Edon Zeegrova received a red card during stoppage time, Antonetti got into a bust-up with Sylvain Armand. That was until the referee also sent him off.

Remarkably, this is the third time he’s been told to leave the sidelines this season. According to RMC Sport, the LFP Disciplinary Commission will investigate the incident on Wednesday.

The same report states that he could receive a two-match ban for ‘excessive behaviour’ or a four-month ban for ‘attempted brutality’.

Following the match, he defended himself: “You want me to let myself go, and we lose the match on a pressure shot?

“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? When I am attacked, I respond, I said to leave us alone and finish the match!”

The other notable incidents in Ligue 1 this season

The incident involving Antonetti is not the first to hit Ligue 1 this season.

A mass brawl broke out between Lille and Marseille earlier this season after a fan launched a bottle at Dimitri Payet. This enraged the Frenchman, who launched it back at the supporter. That resulted in Nice fans storming the pitch.

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Even Marseille boss Jorge Sampaoli tried his luck before his coaching staff dragged him away. Ultimately, there was no other option but to abandon the fixture.

Read: Four Ligue 1 clubs handed punishments for away fan chaos

Meanwhile, a match between Lyon and Marseille was abandoned when a spectator hit Payet on the head with a bottle.

And in another peculiar French league moment, Lionel Messi was approached by a pitch invader whilst dribbling for Paris Saint-Germain against Marseille.

Read: Ligue 1 make a strong statement after Lyon vs Marseille abandonment

Unfortunately for the Argentinian, the rogue football enthusiast ruined his ongoing forward run, and security had to embark onto the field of play.

Although the Antenotti incident arguably is on a different level from those incidents, the LFP Disciplinary Commission has certainly had plenty to do this season.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

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