Barcelona president Joan Laporta has come to the defence of head coach Hansi Flick after the German was sent off during his team’s 2-1 victory over Girona on Saturday.
Flick, who received two yellow cards in stoppage time, was dismissed for sarcastically applauding referee Gil Manzano and protesting the limited injury time added.
The incident has sparked debate in Spain, with Flick now facing the possibility of missing the touchline for the highly anticipated El Clasico against Real Madrid on October 26.
Speaking during Barcelona’s General Assembly, Laporta described Flick’s behaviour as uncharacteristic and blamed the referee’s conduct for provoking the coach.
“They pushed him to the limit with the yellow cards,” Laporta said. He noted that Flick had made a Catalan-style “butifarra” gesture in frustration, something the coach later regretted.
The Barcelona president praised Flick’s professionalism and said his outburst was a rare moment of emotional reaction under pressure.
Laporta also criticised referee Gil Manzano’s handling of the situation, accusing him of deliberately trying to provoke Flick.
“He shows him the yellow card and then keeps his eyes on the coach to see how he reacts. That’s enough punishment turn around and that’s it.” Laporta said.
Manzano’s history with Barcelona has long been a source of tension. Across 44 matches officiated involving the Catalan side, he has issued 12 red cards to Blaugrana players including Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suárez, Gerard Piqué, and Dani Alves.
One of his most controversial calls came in 2023 when he sent off Robert Lewandowski against Osasuna, leading to an extended three-match ban for the Polish striker. This record has deepened suspicion among fans and officials that Barcelona are being unfairly targeted.
The immediate focus for the club now shifts to the Competition Committee’s review, which will determine whether Flick will be permitted on the touchline for El Clasico.
Should the two yellow cards stand, Barcelona will have to face their arch-rivals without their coach on the sidelines. Before that, Flick’s team will take on Olympiacos in the Champions League a crucial fixture as they aim to regain form and confidence after a turbulent few weeks.
