Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is facing a potential touchline ban for the upcoming El Clásico after being shown a red card during his team’s 2-1 victory over Girona on Saturday.
The German coach, aged 60, was dismissed late in the match at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys after sarcastically applauding a referee’s decision.
Referee Jesús Gil Manzano initially showed Flick a yellow card for clapping in protest over four minutes of added time with the score level at 1-1, before issuing a second yellow for continued dissent moments later.
Flick Set to Miss El Clásico After Red Card Controversy
The incident means Flick could miss Barcelona’s crucial trip to the Santiago Bernabéu to face Real Madrid on October 26, pending confirmation of the suspension.
Despite the drama on the touchline, Barcelona secured a vital win thanks to Ronald Araújo’s dramatic 93rd-minute header, which followed Pedri’s opener and Axel Witsel’s equalizer for Girona.
Flick, although sent off, was seen celebrating from the dugout as his team clinched victory in the dying moments.
This is not the first time Flick has found himself in trouble with Spanish referees.
In December 2024, he received a two-match suspension after being sent off in a 1-1 draw against Real Betis, where he was reported to have left his technical area while shouting and gesturing at officials.
With this weekend’s win, Barcelona temporarily move top of La Liga, one point clear of Real Madrid, who will face Getafe on Sunday — but Flick’s absence from the dugout in the upcoming Clásico could cast a shadow over their early momentum.
