Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken out in strong defence of head coach Hansi Flick after the German was sent off during Barcelona’s tense 2-1 win over Girona on Saturday. Laporta insisted that Flick had been “pushed to the limit” by referee Gil Manzano, describing his behaviour as uncharacteristic and provoked. The Hansi Flick red card controversy has now become a major talking point ahead of the upcoming El Clasico clash with Real Madrid.
Laporta Stands Firm Behind Flick After Heated Girona Encounter
Barcelona’s narrow victory over Girona was overshadowed by late drama, as Flick was dismissed in stoppage time after receiving two yellow cards within seconds. The first came when the coach sarcastically applauded one of Manzano’s calls, and the second followed moments later when he questioned the decision to add just four minutes of injury time despite numerous stoppages during the match.
Speaking during Barcelona’s General Assembly, Laporta backed his manager, saying Flick’s reaction was completely out of character and the result of persistent provocation. “We’re very satisfied with the work Hansi Flick is doing,” Laporta said. “He was hurt because this very Catalan gesture — the butifarra — isn’t typical of him. But they pushed him to the limit with those yellow cards.”
Laporta added that referee Gil Manzano appeared to be waiting for Flick to react. “He shows him the yellow card, then keeps his eyes on the coach to see what he’ll do next. Man, you’ve already punished him, turn around and move on,” Laporta said.
Flick Faces Ban Ahead of El Clasico
The Hansi Flick red card controversy could have major consequences for Barcelona, as the coach now risks missing the touchline for the highly anticipated El Clasico against Real Madrid on October 26. The Spanish Football Federation’s Competition Committee will review the incident in the coming days before deciding whether Flick will face a suspension.
If the ban is upheld, assistant coach Ralf Rangnick may be forced to take charge from the sidelines against Madrid — a scenario Laporta and the club are hoping to avoid. The Catalan giants are currently sitting second in La Liga, just two points behind their rivals, and cannot afford distractions as they prepare for their biggest match of the season.
Referee Gil Manzano’s Longstanding History with Barcelona
Laporta’s criticism of referee Gil Manzano also reflects growing frustration within the club. Manzano has long been viewed unfavourably by Barcelona fans and officials due to several controversial decisions in past matches. Across 44 games officiating the Blaugrana, he has shown 12 red cards to Barcelona players, including Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez, Gerard Piqué, and Dani Alves.
Perhaps his most infamous decision came in 2023, when Robert Lewandowski was sent off against Osasuna. The striker was later handed an extended three-game suspension for a gesture towards the referee, a punishment many inside the club believed to be excessive.
That history added fuel to the frustration on Saturday, as Laporta and other officials felt Flick was unfairly targeted. “There was clear provocation,” one club insider told El Mundo Deportivo. “Every time a decision went against Barcelona, Flick’s reactions were closely monitored, unlike the other bench.”
Tensions Rise as Barcelona Turn Focus to Europe
Before El Clasico, Barcelona must navigate a difficult Champions League trip to Olympiacos, a match that could determine their position at the top of their group. Flick, who has been praised for his tactical discipline since joining the club, will hope his absence — if confirmed — does not derail their growing momentum.
The team has been struggling with injuries and form inconsistencies in recent weeks, but the win against Girona marked a crucial response after back-to-back draws. With Pedri, Ronald Araújo, and Raphinha nearing full fitness, Barcelona are looking to enter the Madrid clash with renewed confidence.
Laporta’s public defence of Flick also sends a message of unity and defiance at a time when the club faces scrutiny from both officials and the media. “We know what kind of person Hansi Flick is,” Laporta said. “He’s respectful, calm, and focused on his work. What happened was an exception — but one caused by unfair provocation.”
Why Flick’s Passion May Be a Positive Sign
While the Hansi Flick red card controversy has sparked debate, some analysts believe it may actually reveal something positive about the manager’s growing connection with the team. Former Barcelona defender Carles Puyol commented that Flick’s fiery reaction showed his “emotional investment” in the job. “You can see how much he cares,” Puyol said in a post-match interview. “Barcelona needs that kind of passion — as long as it’s controlled.”
Flick’s disciplinary record has generally been clean throughout his managerial career, both at Bayern Munich and with Germany, where he was known for his composure on the sidelines. Saturday’s incident, therefore, appears to be an exception rather than a pattern.
Still, with the season’s most important fixture looming, the German coach will hope that passion doesn’t come at the cost of presence. The outcome of the Committee’s decision will determine whether he leads from the touchline or from the stands in one of the world’s most-watched matches.
