Barcelona Receives Hansi Flick Clasico Ban Verdict
La Liga has upheld the decision made by the referee to send off Barcelona manager Hansi Flick during a recent match against Girona. As a result, Flick will be absent from the crucial Clásico match against Real Madrid on Sunday. This incident occurred at Montjuïc, where Barcelona secured a 2-1 victory with a last-minute goal from Ronald Araujo.
Details of the Incident
Hansi Flick received two yellow cards in quick succession after showing frustration over the minimal added time during the tense derby. Following the match, he attempted to appeal the decision but had a lackluster defense, stating, “If he doesn’t want to, that’s his decision, I have to accept it.”
Barcelona’s Response
Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, expressed discontent with the referee’s approach, accusing the league of bias favoring Real Madrid. He claimed that there was a consistent pattern of bias against standout players, saying, “Much more so before an important match.”
Appeal Outcome
- The club’s appeal was not successful.
- The decision noted that there was no evidence to dispute the referee’s account.
Impact on Upcoming Matches
While Flick will miss the Clásico, there is optimism regarding the return of key player Raphinha. The Brazilian forward has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury for the past five matches.
Raphinha’s Potential Return
- Raphinha was seen training this week and may play against Real Madrid.
- His absence has seen Marcus Rashford step up, contributing significantly with a total of five goals and six assists this season.
As the team prepares for one of its most significant fixtures of the season, all eyes will be on how they adapt without their head coach at the helm.
