Barcelona coach Hansi Flick will be forced to watch next weekend’s highly anticipated Clásico from the stands after being dismissed in the closing moments of Saturday’s derby against Girona. The German manager lost his usual calm as the Catalan rivals played out a tense encounter at the Estadi Olímpic.
Barcelona had taken the lead through a composed finish from Pedri, but Girona equalised, leaving the reigning champions frantically chasing a winner. With the score tied at 1–1 and the clock ticking past the 90-minute mark, the fourth official announced four minutes of stoppage time. Flick reacted by clapping in protest, which earned him a booking from referee Jesús Gil Manzano. His heated response to that decision, waving his arm and shouting in frustration, led to a second yellow and his subsequent expulsion.
Manager claims misunderstanding
Speaking after the match, Flick maintained that his gestures were not directed at the referee. He argued that he had been motivating Frenkie de Jong, not challenging the officials.
“Frenkie was there, I said: ‘Come on, Frenkie.’ Honestly, I wasn’t going for the referee,” he explained. He added that his applause had been meant to encourage the team, not to mock the added time decision.
Flick also revealed that Barcelona were unlikely to appeal the decision, meaning he will definitely be sidelined for the trip to the Santiago Bernabéu next Sunday. He noted that he attempted to speak with Gil Manzano after the incident, but the referee declined, and he accepted that choice.
Late winner and fiery celebration
Before leaving the pitch, Flick witnessed Ronald Araújo’s decisive strike deep into injury time, which secured a crucial 2–1 win and returned Barcelona to the top of the table. The coach responded with an intense celebration, slapping his left hand into the crook of his right arm twice—a gesture known in Spain as a “corte de manga,” comparable to an obscene sign.
After the match, Flick defended his reaction. “Football is about emotion,” he said with a smile. “Today we spent a lot of energy, more than we expected. It was fantastic to score the second goal and win. The celebration wasn’t for anyone, I just celebrated the goal.”
Despite his explanations, Flick’s suspension stands, and he will be absent from the touchline when Barcelona face Real Madrid in one of the season’s biggest fixtures.
