El Clásico Blow: Barcelona Coach Hansi Flick Ruled Out of Real Madrid Clash
Barcelona’s hopes of having Hansi Flick on the touchline for this weekend’s El Clásico have been dashed after the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) dismissed the club’s appeal against his red card.
Hansi Flick was sent off during Barça’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Girona at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, where he picked up two yellow cards in quick succession following heated exchanges on the sideline.
Club president Joan Laporta had confirmed that Barcelona filed an appeal to overturn the decision, arguing the dismissal was excessive. But the Disciplinary Committee was firm in its stance, stating the Catalan club “does not provide any evidence” to support its claim.
“It is appropriate to dismiss the request to nullify the double booking that is the subject of this appeal,” part of the RFEF’s ruling read.
“Consequently, it is decided to uphold the disciplinary consequences arising from the expulsion of Mr Hans-Dieter Flick, proceeding with the imposition of a one-match suspension as provided for in Article 120 of the RFEF Disciplinary Code, along with the corresponding additional fines in accordance with Article 52.”
As a result, Flick will not be in the dugout when Barcelona visit the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday to face Real Madrid in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season.
Assistant coach Marcus Sorg is set to step in for the 59-year-old German tactician, guiding the team in a high-stakes encounter that could have early implications in the La Liga title race.
