Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has been provisionally suspended by the French league for his altercation with referee Alexandre Castro.
Leonardo appeared to deliberately shoulder-barge Castro in the tunnel after PSG's 1-1 home draw against Valenciennes last Sunday.
After a meeting on Tuesday evening, the league's disciplinary commission says Leonardo will be suspended from Wednesday, pending an investigation, ''because of the seriousness of the matter.''
Leonardo has denied the allegation.
''It's the delegate in front of me who blocked my path. It's him who pushed me into the referee,'' Leonardo said. ''I don't touch the referee with my shoulder but with my back. Because I was pushed. It is me who was assaulted.''
However, the delegate said ''I didn't barge into or touch Leonardo at any time.''
Castro sent off PSG defender Thiago Silva late in the first half for putting his hands on the chest of the referee as he contested a decision.
Silva was handed a two-match ban and will miss the games against Lyon and Brest.
Leonardo risks a year's suspension. PSG, which is closing in on its first title since 1994, could have points deducted.
PSG is seven points ahead of Marseille with three matches remaining.
