Barcelona manager Hansi Flick will not be on the touchline against Real Madrid this Sunday, after he was handed a one-game ban for his red card against Girona. The German manager was sent off for protesting a refereeing decision.
After four minutes of stoppage time were announced by referee Jesus Gil on Saturday, with Barcelona searching for Ronald Araujo’s winner, Flick protested the decision not to add more time on. That earned him a yellow card, and his exasperated reaction then saw Gil show a second yellow, resulting in the dismissal.
Flick remained at the mouth of the tunnel after being sent off, and the German manager was then seen running back to the touchline area giving the ‘Up yours’ sign. However this was not included in the referee’s match report, and as such, he is unlikely to face action for it. In his post-match press conference, Flick defended himself saying that it was not directed at Gil, but did note that it was a poor example for his grandchildren.
Flick handed one-game suspension ahead of Real Madrid
On Wednesday afternoon it was announced that Flick had been suspended for one match, as reported by MD. Barcelona had appealed the decision to the Discipline Committee. However they say that the images do not contradict Gil’s report, stating that Flick applauded the awarding of the stoppage time, and that he then made a gesture of disapproval at his booking. Flick in his post-match press conference maintains that he was simply applauding Frenkie de Jong.
Dro Fernández: “Today I felt better than the other day. Hansi told me I would play on the wing. I’m very grateful for the opportunity. Playing alongside the best is very easy.”
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) October 21, 2025
Barcelona to launch second appeal against suspension
The same outlet detail that Barcelona intend to launch a second appeal against the decision. They will make their case to the Appeals Committee on Wednesday, in hope that they will grant him permission to accompany his side on Sunday. As an aside, Getafe’s Allan Nyom was handed a two-game ban for his red card against Real Madrid.
