French referee banned 3 months after kicking player

FILE – In this Jan.14 2018 file photo, French referee Tony Chapron gives a red card to Nantes defender Diego Carlos, second left, after Carlos inadvertently clipped the referee’s heels during the French League One soccer match between Nantes and Paris Saint Germain, in Nantes, western France. The French soccer federation has banned referee Tony Chapron for three months after he kicked a player during a league match. (AP Photo/David Vincent, File)

PARIS — The French soccer federation has banned referee Tony Chapron for three months after he kicked a player during a league match.

The federation announced the decision Thursday night, giving him a six-month ban with three months suspended.

Chapron was summoned by French league officials to a disciplinary hearing following the incident, when he kicked Nantes defender Diego Carlos before sending him off.

The bizarre incident happened near the end of Paris Saint-Germain’s 1-0 win at Nantes. Carlos was running behind Chapron near the halfway line, and trying to catch up with play, when he inadvertently clipped the referee’s heels.

Chapron rolled forward onto the turf then swiped his right leg at Carlos. Chapron later acknowledged that Carlos inadvertently knocked him over and apologized.