Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca has criticized the decision to send off Real Madrid loanee Endrick during Saturday’s 1-0 win over Nantes, claiming the Brazilian teenager was targeted by aggressive defending and denied protection by officials.
Olympique Lyonnais manager Paulo Fonseca has condemned the dismissal of Endrick in Saturday’s hard-fought victory at FC Nantes, labeling the straight red card as “very harsh.”
Despite Lyon extending their exceptional winning streak to 12 games through a Pavel Šulc goal, the match was overshadowed by the 61st-minute departure of the Brazilian star.
Initially shown a yellow for kicking out at Dehmaine Tabibou, the sanction was upgraded to a straight red following a VAR review by referee Mathieu Vernice.
Fonseca used his post-match press conference to demand better officiating for the 19-year-old, alleging that Nantes players intentionally targeted him with “aggressive” tactics.
“For me, it was very harsh, very harsh. There was a foul before which was very clear,” Fonseca stated, arguing that the Nantes player intended only to block the striker.
He further emphasized the need for officials to step in, adding: “The referees must protect the talent of a player like Endrick.”
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