Barcelona president hits out at referee over Flick red card vs Girona – ‘Something always happens…’ | OneFootball

Speaking at the General Assembly over the weekend, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta expressed his discontent over manager Hansi Flick’s sending-off against Girona.

During Barça’s hard-fought 2-1 win over Girona this past Saturday, the German tactician was sent off by referee Gil Manzano, with two back-to-back yellow cards in quick succession.

Flick was initially cautioned for sarcastically applauding a referee’s decision during the game, and his second yellow card came soon after as he protested against only four minutes being added, despite several stoppages during the second half.

As such, he will not be present on the touchline when Barça face Real Madrid this weekend.

Laporta furious over Flick red card

At the assembly on Sunday, Laporta was asked by one of the club’s delegate members whether there was a “white hand” behind referee Gil Manzano’s officiating during the match.

“Are you talking about a white hand? If there isn’t one, it looks very similar. Our coach won’t be there for the next match, although the club is going to appeal Hansi Flick’s suspension,” said the president, as quoted by SPORT.

Flick was sent off against Girona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Laporta was particularly angered because “the referee went too far when he showed the yellow card and waited for our coach to react. It will be difficult to get the cards rescinded.”

The Barcelona president stressed: “I didn’t like the referee’s attitude. This man has sent off almost all of our star players. You only have to look at his record with us.

“Something always happens. It just so happens that it’s before a match that will decide the league leadership.”

Nevertheless, Laporta did not want his complaints to sound like an excuse, adding: “We weren’t at our best either.”

As reported already, Barcelona are unhappy with the double standards in refereeing, and believe it will make it very difficult for them to win La Liga this season.