Barcelona to lodge fresh appeal to get Hansi Flick’s suspension dismissed | OneFootball

Barcelona are set to make another attempt to overturn Hansi Flick’s suspension after the manager was sent off during his side’s dramatic 2-1 win over Girona. 

According to journalist Alfredo Martinez, the club will file a new appeal in hopes of having the German coach available for Sunday’s highly anticipated El Clasico against Real Madrid.

Flick’s dismissal came under controversial circumstances. The 60-year-old was first booked for sarcastically applauding the fourth official after only four minutes of stoppage time were added, despite Barcelona having several chances to win the game late on. 

Moments later, when Ronald Araujo scored a stoppage-time winner, Flick celebrated passionately with the home crowd, an act that saw the referee brandish a second yellow card for what was described as an “obscene gesture.”

RFEF confirms the sanction

The double booking resulted in an automatic one-match touchline ban, meaning Flick is currently set to miss Sunday’s crucial trip to the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Barcelona, however, are not giving up easily. Their first appeal to the RFEF’s Competition Committee was rejected recently, with the federation stating,

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

“It is appropriate to dismiss the request to nullify the double booking that is the subject of this appeal.”

Despite the setback, Barcelona remain determined to have their coach on the touchline for the season’s first Clasico. 

The club considers Flick’s presence vital for both tactical and motivational reasons, particularly given the importance of the match in shaping the La Liga title race.

While the appeal process is ongoing, sources within the club acknowledge that time is running short. 

Should the second appeal also be dismissed, assistant coach Marcus Sorg is expected to take charge from the bench at the Bernabeu. 

Still, Barcelona remain hopeful that their renewed efforts could see Flick reinstated in time for one of the biggest fixtures of the season.