Barcelona president Joan Laporta has publicly defended coach Hansi Flick after he was sent off in the 2-1 win over Girona on Saturday, claiming he was “pushed to the limit” by referee Gil Manzano. The German received two yellow cards in quick succession and now risks missing the touchline for the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid.
Laporta steps in after Flick’s controversial dismissal
Barcelona’s tense 2-1 win over Girona ended with drama, as Flick was shown a red card in stoppage time. The German coach first received a yellow for sarcastically applauding a referee’s decision, before protesting the decision to add just four minutes of injury time despite multiple stoppages. Within seconds, he was sent off.
President Joan Laporta openly backed his coach during the club’s General Assembly, stating that Flick was not acting in his usual manner and had been provoked. Laporta highlighted that the coach made a Catalan-style “butifarra” gesture out of frustration, something he later regretted.
The dismissal means Flick could be banned from the touchline for El Clasico on October 26 against Real Madrid. For now, Barca await the Competition Committee’s decision as tensions rise ahead of the season’s biggest fixture.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportLaporta on referee behaviour and Flick’s reaction
Laporta argued that Flick’s behaviour was out of character and only came after persistent provocation from referee Gil Manzano.
"We're very satisfied with the work Hansi Flick is doing. He was hurt today because he said that this very Catalan gesture of the butifarra wasn't typical of him. In any case, I told him he had a lot of style doing it, all things considered. I know he's not satisfied with this secretly because he says it's not his usual behavior, we know that, but they pushed him to the limit, they pushed him to the limit with the yellow cards."
He added: "What I criticise about what happened yesterday is that: he shows him the yellow card, keeps his eyes on the coach to see how he reacted. Man, you've already shown him the yellow card, that's enough punishment, turn around and that's it."
Referee Gil Manzano’s history with Barcelona fuels frustration
Manzano’s decision wasn’t seen in isolation. He has built a reputation among the Blaugrana fans and officials for harsh treatment towards the club. Over 44 matches officiated, he has shown 12 red cards to Barcelona players, including stars like Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez, Gerard Pique and Dani Alves.
His most infamous decision came against Osasuna in 2023, when he sent off Robert Lewandowski. The striker received an extended three-game suspension after a gesture towards the official.
This history added fuel to the reaction from Laporta and the club, who believe Flick was being excessively monitored and provoked. With tensions already high due to injuries and inconsistency, Manzano’s approach amplified frustrations on the touchline.
Getty Images SportFlick’s ban risk and Barcelona’s focus
The immediate question is whether Flick will be allowed on the touchline for El Clasico. The Competition Committee will decide in the coming days. If the two yellow cards stand, Barcelona could be without their head coach during their most important domestic match of the season.
Before the showdown with Los Blancos, Barcelona face Olympiacos in the Champions League, a must-win game to regain confidence after recent turbulence. Flick will likely watch from the stands unless an appeal is successful.
Despite criticism of their performance against Girona, the Catalan giants remain focused on recovery, both physically and mentally with multiple players returning from injury and the team sitting second in La Liga, just two points behind Madrid.