Hansi Flick Receives El Clasico Suspension Following Red Card in Barcelona vs Girona Match
- Khobe Hart Gh
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is at risk of a touchline suspension for El Clásico following his dismissal in Saturday's win against Girona.
The 60-year-old received a red card towards the end of the match at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys for sarcastically clapping in response to a refereeing decision.
Referee Jesús Gil Manzano first issued a yellow card to Flick for applauding the announcement of four minutes of stoppage time when the score was tied at 1-1. Shortly after, he gave Flick a second yellow for his protests. Consequently, Flick is likely to face at least a one-match touchline ban, preventing him from being in the dugout for the season's first Clásico against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu on October 26.
After the game, Flick commented: “Football is about emotions and tension. The celebration wasn’t aimed at anyone specific; it was just an expression of joy. Frenkie (De Jong) was present, and they gave him a card. My reaction wasn’t intended for the referee, and I’m unsure why he issued me a second card. The celebration was about our victory, not directed at anyone. I was simply happy. I don’t act against anyone and never will. I accept the referee’s decision. It wasn’t meant for him. I applauded to encourage the team to respond.
“I attempted to speak with the referee, but I was unable to. He continued on his way, and I couldn't engage with him. I respect the referee's decisions, as he is the one who makes them. My actions were unrelated to him. If he chooses not to talk to me, it doesn't upset me; I accept it.”
Barcelona defeated Girona 2-1 on Saturday, with Ronald Araujo netting a last-minute winner in the 93rd minute after Axel Witsel had equalized Pedri’s first-half goal.
Flick was sent off shortly before Araujo's late winner but was seen celebrating his team's late goal from the dugout. This isn't the first time Flick has been sent off due to his reaction to a refereeing decision while at Barca. In December 2024, he received a two-game suspension after a red card in a draw against Real Betis.
Flick was dismissed for his reaction to a Betis penalty being awarded, with the referee's report stating he was sent off for leaving the technical area, shouting, and gesticulating. He watched the rest of the match from the stands and later expressed his disappointment with the decision.
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