Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has been handed a nine-month ban after being found guilty of pushing over referee Alexandre Castro earlier this month.

The 43-year-old was caught on camera pushing the official in the tunnel during the Ligue 1 champions' draw against Valenciennes on May 5 after being outraged by his decision to send off captain Thiago Silva.

The ban applies to all official duties and stops Leonardo from being present on the touchline during matches, but the club plan to appeal the punishment.

A club statement read: "Paris St Germain takes note of the decision of the LFP disciplinary committee to suspend Leonardo, the team's sporting director, for a nine-month period, and to sanction the club by a conditional withdrawal of three points.

"In the light of the material elements submitted to the members of the disciplinary committee, Paris St Germain considers this decision to be unjustified and extremely harsh.

"As a result, and in solidarity with their sporting director, Paris St Germain will appeal this decision."

Leonardo has been in his position at the Parc des Princes since July 2011.