Barcelona boss Hansi Flick will have to watch his side’s Clasico clash with Real Madrid from the stands after his appeal against a one-match suspension was dismissed by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) this morning.
Flick was sent-off against Girona at the weekend after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession. The first for sarcastically applauding the amount of time added on by referee Jesus Gil Manzano and the second for waving his arm in protest at the initial booking.
Barca appealed but the RFEF said the referee’s report backed up what happened.
“In the assessment of infractions related to sporting discipline, the decisions of the referee related to the game are final, presumed to be true, except for manifest material error,” the RFEF explained.
Case not closed as Barca can still appeal
Barca now have to decide whether to take the decision to the Appeals Committee in the hope they overturn the ban and allow the German to take his regular seat on the bench when the sides clash at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday afternoon.
Flick has received the support of Barca president Joan Laporta, who speaking after the game at the weekend, told the club’s General Assembly: “We’ve appealed both cards to our coach. The referee overstepped his bounds. I know it’s difficult to get his suspension overturned, but I’ve told the manager we’re with him.
“I didn’t like the referee’s attitude. This man has always sent off all the players who stand out. He has a résumé to show for it. We always think nothing will happen… and it always ends up happening. Much more so before an important match.
“Flick was hurt by his behaviour. He told me it wasn’t like him. I told him he looked good while doing the gesture. And on top of that, they pushed him to the limit with the cards. The referee gave him the second one and kept an eye on him to see how he reacted. Man, turn around and that’s it.”
It won’t be an excuse against Real Madrid – Deco
Barca sporting director Deco also claimed Flick had been singled out, adding: “The referees against us are always more rigorous, they go much further to the limit.
“Winning with Barça is always more complicated, but it gives you greater satisfaction. We fought hard against many things. It won’t be an excuse, whatever the result against Madrid.”
Barcelona will head to the capital two points behind their arch-rivals, who top the table. They are in good form, though, evidenced by their 6-1 thumping of Olympiacos in the Champions League last night.
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