Barcelona may have defeated Girona on Saturday, but they also saw head coach Hansi Flick sent off for two yellow cards. As a result, he will be banned from the dugout for next weekend’s trip to the Santiago Bernabeu for the first El Clasico meeting of the season.
Flick refused to be drawn on his dismissal when he spoke to the media post-match, but Barcelona president Joan Laporta did address the matter when speaking at the club’s Ordinary General Assembly. As per MD, he confirmed that an appeal has already been sent to the Spanish Football Federation’s Disciplinary Committee.
“We have appealed the two yellow cards. The referee went too far and waited for the reaction to show him the second. I know that it is difficult for them to remove the sanction. I’ve told Flick that we’re with him. I didn’t like the referee’s attitude.”
Laporta takes aim at Gil Manzano in strong fashion
Laporta harshly criticised referee Jesus Gil Manzano for his decision to send Flick off, also taking into account that the official has shown red cards to a number of Barcelona players over the years. He also gave a brief comment on the last-gasp victory over Girona, which came courtesy of Ronald Araujo’s stoppage time winner.
“This man has sent off almost all our players who stand out. He has a CV that you just have to see, we think nothing will happen and it always happens and it’s before such an important game.
“What happened yesterday… We were not fine, not as we are used to. It will give us a lot of confidence. And just as we finished, with a centre-back who ended up scoring as a striker.”
In the coming days, it will be known whether Flick will be on the touchline against Real Madrid. For now, Barcelona will need to wait.
