Leonardo: PSG director gets nine-month ban for referee push

Leonardo

Paris St-Germain sporting director Leonardo has been given a nine-month suspension for pushing a referee.

He was filmed using his shoulder to make contact with Alexandre Castro in the Parc des Princes tunnel after being angered by Thiago Silva's red card in PSG's 1-1 draw with Valenciennes.

The 43-year-old Brazilian denied barging the official but was found guilty of pushing him.

PSG have confirmed that they are appealing against the decision.

The French champions were also given a suspended three-point deduction for next season.

The club said in a statement: "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 its sporting director, Paris St-Germain will appeal this decision."

Leonardo, who won the World Cup in 1994, claimed another official accidentally pushed him into Castro.

The former AC Milan and PSG player was heavily critical of officials on several occasions throughout the season.