Barcelona are formally appealing coach Hansi Flick’s dismissal during their 2-1 win over Girona.
They are hoping to overturn his automatic touchline ban for the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid.
The club’s legal team is challenging two yellow cards issued by referee Jesus Gil Manzano, arguing that the first card arose from a misunderstanding.
The controversy began in the 90th minute when Flick was booked for sarcastically praising the decision to initially award only four minutes of stoppage time.
A second yellow card followed shortly after for a reaction to the first caution, which resulted in his dismissal.
After the match, Flick insisted that his actions had been misinterpreted. He claimed that the applause was directed at midfielder Frenkie de Jong, not at the referee, to encourage him.
“I said: ‘Come on, Frenkie.’ “To be honest, I wasn’t going to the referee,” Flick said, insisting that football is a game of emotions.
Despite his explanation, the red card carries a touchline ban of at least one match, which puts his presence at risk for the crucial match at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 26.
Barcelona’s appeal hinges on the competition for yellow cards, especially the first card for clapping.
The club claims that Flick’s gesture was not intended as a protest but as an encouragement to his player.
If the disciplinary committee withdraws even one warning, the red card will be overturned, lifting the suspension.
However, the appeal faces challenges. Gil Manzano’s report notes that the first yellow was for “clapping in protest” and the second was for “gesturing in disagreement” after the initial warning.
Additionally, Flick’s subsequent celebratory gesture after Ronald Araujo’s late winner – deemed “obscene” by some outlets – could lead to a lengthy suspension if reviewed retrospectively.
Barcelona are now top of La Liga, just one point ahead of Real Madrid, who have played a game less.
Flick’s absence from the touchline could hamper tactical dynamics in a game that could prove decisive in the title race.
This is Flick’s second dismissal as Barcelona manager, following his previous suspension against Real Betis.
The club is aiming to resolve the appeal quickly ahead of Sunday’s Clasico.
Although Flick initially doubted the appeal would succeed, Barcelona is pursuing every legal avenue to ensure he can guide the team from the sidelines.
