Fonseca criticises red card for loanee Endrick after Nantes match

Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca hit out at the match officials after Real Madrid loanee Endrick was sent off in the club’s game against Nantes, calling the dismissal “very harsh” and urging referees to protect the young forward from persistent fouling. Endrick had enjoyed a bright start to his loan, scoring five goals and providing two assists in five appearances, including a hat-trick against Metz.

With Lyon 1-0 up through a Pavel Sulc strike, the Brazilian—already on a yellow—was blocked by Dehmaine Tabibou, reacted by kicking out and caught Tabibou on the ankle, received a second booking and, after a VAR check, saw the referee upgrade the offence to a straight red, which will bring a lengthier suspension.

Fonseca argued there had been a clear foul on Endrick before the incident and said this was the third match in which opponents had begun with aggressive tactics aimed at the teenager, insisting officials must shield players of his quality.