Barcelona’s German coach Hans-Dieter Flick will be absent from the dugout for the team’s next two La Liga matches due to a two-game suspension following his controversial red card against Real Betis.
The incident occurred during last Saturday’s match when Flick displayed an inappropriate reaction after a VAR review. In the second half, Frenkie de Jong fouled Brazilian forward Vitor Roque, resulting in a penalty for Betis. Referee decisions took a long time, and Flick’s frustrated reaction earned him a red card.
The penalty decision and subsequent reaction were not the only controversy. Following the match, Flick clarified, “I didn’t say anything to anyone. It was just my own reaction. I have to accept it. I don’t want to talk about referees—I never do. At that moment, it was just an immediate reaction because the penalty decision took so long to be made.”
Despite Flick’s insistence that his reaction wasn’t directed at the referees, La Liga’s disciplinary committee has imposed a two-match suspension. The punishment means Flick will miss the games against Leganes and Atletico Madrid. However, reports from ESPN suggest Barcelona plans to appeal the decision.
Speaking further on the red card, Flick said, “I am really disappointed. I never thought something like this would happen to me. But it has, and I have to accept it.”
The timing of the suspension adds pressure on Barcelona, who have struggled in recent La Liga fixtures. Out of their last five matches, they’ve managed only one win, with two losses and two draws. However, despite the rocky form, the Catalan giants remain at the top of the league table with 38 points from 17 matches. Real Madrid trails closely behind with 36 points from 16 matches.
Interestingly, the suspension will not affect Flick’s involvement in the Champions League. Barcelona faces Borussia Dortmund midweek, a match that will see Flick on the sidelines. As the appeal process unfolds, Barcelona will hope to overturn the ban and regain stability in their La Liga campaign.
