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Fabio Santos To Be Sold By Lyon After Altercation With Claude Puel

Following his substitution against Valenciennes at the weekend, the Brazilian lambasted general manager Claude Puel. Lyon will not stand for such actions...

May 6, 2009 1:51:08 PM

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Ligue 1 : Claude Puel (Lyon)

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Olympique Lyonnais’ ill-fated trip to Valenciennes on Saturday, a fixture that they lost 2-0, virtually ending their hopes of winning the Ligue 1 title, could well end up being the last time that Fabio Santos features for les Gones as a spat with general manager Claude Puel has been looked upon sternly by president Jean-Michel Aulas.

The fiery figure of Aulas is known for his hard-line approach with coaches, generally considering anything less than the Champions League title as a failure for the club. But, despite Lyon’s miserable recent run of form, he has fully backed Puel and has continued to support his manager throughout this latest controversy.

Trailing 2-0, Puel tried to induce a change in Lyon’s lethargic weekend performance by replacing Fabio Santos with Kim Kallstrom at the Stade Nungesser – a move that did not please the little used Brazilian. A war of words ensued on the bench, with Puel declared the winner by Aulas.

“It’s not Claude who’s under question,” the president angrily stated, according to Mercato365. “I was present. With Fabio Santos, it’s over. We will facilitate his departure – it will be impossible to go on otherwise.”

On official statement from the club has further clarified les Gones’ position. “Given the events that took place during half-time of Saturday's match at Valenciennes, Olympique Lyonnais can confirm that [we have] initiated disciplinary proceedings against Fabio Santos. As such, the player will not participate in the life of the group until a decision is taken against him.”

Lyon have been true to their word. The player did not train on Tuesday and will not travel with the squad to Evian ahead of les Gones’ friendly fixture against Grenoble on Friday.

There is considerably more positive news for OL ahead of that fixture because Sidney Govou, who has missed several months due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, is expected to be given some minutes.

Robin Bairner, Goal.com

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