A Spanish media report has disclosed that Barcelona’s German coach, Hans Flick, will likely face an extended suspension following his sent-off during the team’s 2-2 draw against Real Betis in the 16th round of La Liga.
The Catalan outlet Mundo Deportivo has reported that Hans Flick’s red card will sideline him from the Barcelona bench in La Liga until mid-January 2025.
Flick was dismissed following a heated protest over the referee Muniz Ruiz’s decision to award a penalty to Vitor Roque against Frenkie de Jong in the 66th minute. The referee made the call after consulting the VAR.
The referee’s report detailed that Hans Flick left the technical area, shouting and gesturing aggressively in protest against the penalty decision. This behavior falls under Article 127 of the Disciplinary Code, which prescribes penalties ranging from a two-to-three-match suspension to a one-month ban.
Lengthy Absence
If the penalty stands and Barcelona’s appeal is rejected, Flick will miss the rest of Barcelona’s La Liga matches in 2024. These include:
- December 15: Against Leganés at Barcelona’s stadium.
- December 21: Against Atlético Madrid at Barcelona’s stadium.
Flick would only return to the bench for league action in Round 20, when Barcelona faces Getafe on January 18 or 19, 2025.
Cup Competitions
Despite the suspension in La Liga, Flick will still be permitted to lead the team in other competitions:
- January 6-7: King’s Cup Round of 16.
- January 10-14: Spanish Super Cup semi-finals and potentially the final in Saudi Arabia.
- January 15: King’s Cup quarter-finals, provided Barcelona advances.
This allows Flick to stay involved in crucial matches, albeit away from La Liga sidelines.
