Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick banned for two games after red card, will miss Atletico Madrid match

By premiernews On Dec 11, 2024

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has been given a two-game touchline ban following his red card during Saturday’s draw against Real Betis.

Flick will be absent from the dugout for Barcelona’s La Liga fixtures against Leganes on December 15 and Atletico Madrid six days later.

He returns to the touchline for the league fixture against Getafe on January 19. Barcelona also have Champions League, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana ties before Getafe that Flick can be present for, but such is the Spanish side’s fixture schedule, the ban means he will not be on the touchline for a home game until the league match against Valencia on January 26.

The 59-year-old was sent off in the 66th minute of Saturday’s 2-2 draw following his reaction to the awarding of a Betis penalty. The referee’s report stated he had been sent off for leaving the technical area, shouting and gesticulating.

A video assistant referee (VAR) check had suggested a pitch-side review of Frenkie de Jong’s contact with Vitor Roque in the penalty area. Referee Muniz Ruiz awarded a penalty and Giovani Lo Celso equalised for Betis. Flick watched the remainder of the match from the stands.

“I am disappointed by the sending-off,” said Flick to the media after the match. “I did not say anything to anyone, it (what I did on the touchline) was just a reaction to myself. I thought it took a very long time for VAR to decide if that was a penalty.”

The result leaves Flick’s side two points clear of Real Madrid, who have a game in hand, at the top of La Liga.

Barcelona return to action against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday.