La Liga referee Gil Manzano’s official report unveils the contentious details behind the dramatic red card of Hansi Flick.
However, his intense sideline passion sparked a controversial incident that now clouds preparations for El Clasico and Olympiacos.
Amid an injury crisis sidelining Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, Flick’s actions in the heated derby have drawn scrutiny, with the referee’s official report shedding light on the disciplinary fallout that could impact Barcelona’s title charge.
Referee Gil Manzano’s report details Flick’s ejection for a double yellow card. The first, in the 90th minute, was for “applauding one of my decisions in sign of protest.”, as reported by Diario Sport.
The second, leading to his red card, cited “performing a gesture in sign of disapproval.”
Crucially, Manzano omitted Flick’s “butifarras”—a double raspberry during Ronald Araujo’s late winner—which Flick justified as emotional:
“Football is emotion. The second goal was fantastic.” This omission caps the potential sanction at four matches, sparing a harsher six-game ban for VAR-related misconduct.
Flick’s absence from the Santiago Bernabéu for El Clasico on October 26 is confirmed, with assistant Marcus Sorg set to take charge.
Reflecting on a prior two-game ban against Real Betis in December 2024, Flick conceded, “I tried to talk to Gil Manzano, but he didn’t want to.
It’s his decision.” Barcelona’s appeal is unlikely to overturn the call, per Flick’s own doubts. The incident highlights his fiery leadership, which rallied a squad leaning on Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí.
With Champions League fixtures looming, Flick’s sideline absence tests Barcelona’s depth, but the report’s leniency offers some relief.
The Girona win, driven by Pedri’s opener and Araujo’s heroics, exposed defensive cracks but showcased resilience.
As Barcelona chases titles, this episode underscores the tightrope Flick walks between passion and discipline, with the referee’s report shaping a critical juncture in their season.
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