Barcelona have been dealt a major setback ahead of El Clasico after the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) dismissed their appeal against Hansi Flick’s red card. The German coach will serve a one-match ban following his dismissal against Girona, leaving assistant Marcus Sorg to take charge at the Santiago Bernabeu in a much-awaited game of the Spanish league.
Flick suspended after failed appeal
Barcelona’s hopes of having boss Flick on the sidelines for the El Clasico have been dashed after the RFEF’s Disciplinary Committee rejected the club’s appeal, according to . The committee confirmed that Flick will serve a one-match suspension following his red card in the 2-1 victory over Girona, ruling that Barca’s evidence was insufficient to overturn the decision.
The German coach was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession from referee Jesus Gil Manzano, first for sarcastically applauding stoppage time and then for gesturing in protest moments later. Barcelona argued that the report “did not correspond to what happened,” but the disciplinary body concluded that “no evidence whatsoever” disproved the referee’s account.
“The request to annul the double caution must be rejected, and the disciplinary consequences arising from the expulsion of Mr. Hans-Dieter Flick must be maintained,” the committee stated. The decision invokes Article 120 of the RFEF Disciplinary Code, confirming a one-match suspension with the corresponding fines.
AdvertisementAFPBarca leadership rallies behind Flick
Barca president Joan Laporta strongly defended his manager after the ruling, calling the referee’s handling of the situation “excessive” and “unfair.” Addressing club members during the General Assembly, Laporta said: “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.”
Laporta also criticised the referee’s history of dismissing prominent players and coaches before major matches, adding: “This man has always sent off all the players who stand out. He has a CV to show for it. We always think nothing will happen… and it always ends up happening.”
Flick felt remorseful about his touchline reaction, which was captured by cameras as he gestured in frustration following his dismissal, and he later also implored to set the right example. Laporta light-heartedly told him: “I told him he looked good while doing the gesture. But they pushed him to the limit with the cards.”
Deco claims referees are harsher with Barcelona
Barcelona sporting director Deco echoed Laporta’s sentiments, insisting that officials often treat the Catalan club with greater severity than others in La Liga. Speaking to reporters after the ruling, Deco said: “The referees against us are always more strict, they go much further to the limit.”
Deco admitted that while the suspension would not serve as an excuse for the upcoming El Clasico, it highlighted a persistent sense of unfair treatment.
“Winning with Barca 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.”
Flick’s absence comes at a crucial moment for Balaugrana, who trail Los Blancos by two points at the top of the table. His leadership on the sidelines has been key since his arrival, with the team showing improved discipline, pressing and attacking fluidity under his command.
AFPBarcelona plan final appeal as Clasico looms
Despite the committee’s ruling, Barca’s legal department reportedly has plans to file a final appeal to the Appeals Committee on Wednesday, leaving little time before Sunday’s showdown at the Santiago Bernabeu.
If the suspension stands, assistant coach Marcus Sorg is expected to take charge from the touchline while Flick watches from the stands. The German tactician’s absence would be both tactical and emotional, particularly against a Real Madrid side that has started the season in strong form.
Barcelona are coming off a resounding 6-1 victory over Olympiacos in the Champions League, a result that boosted morale heading into one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season. The club remains optimistic that their final appeal could yield a reprieve, though precedent suggests the chances are slim.
As the countdown to Clasico continues, the spotlight now shifts from Flick’s suspension to whether Barcelona can overcome adversity and maintain their title push without their coach on the bench, remains to be seen.