MONTPELLIER, France, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Montpellier defender Cyril Jeunechamp has been suspended for one year following his attack on a journalist, French soccer league officials said Friday.
Jeunechamp hit L'Equipe writer Jose Barroso after a game Nov. 17. Jeunechamp was reportedly unhappy about an article by Barroso that claimed some players were unhappy with Montpellier Coach Rene Girard.
He was suspended about a week after the incident and Friday officials of Ligue de Football Professionel handed down a yearlong ban, citing "acts of brutality."
Montpellier goalkeeper Geoffrey Jourdren was suspended two games for "behavior toward and intimidation" of Barroso after the game.
Jeunechamp hit Barroso in the face before being restrained by teammates. The commission looking into the incident said Barroso has had to take sick leave because of the altercation.
