Hansi Flick will not be on the bench for Barcelona in Sunday’s Clásico against Real Madrid after the Administrative Court for Sport (TAD) rejected the club’s latest appeal. The Catalan side had sought
to overturn the one-match suspension imposed on Flick following his red card in the recent clash with Girona.
The TAD’s decision confirms the ruling of the RFEF Appeals Committee, which upheld the original disciplinary action. Flick’s dismissal came after referee Jesús Gil Manzano issued him two yellow cards in quick succession during the final minutes of the Girona match, following protests from the German manager.
With Flick sidelined, his assistant Marcus Sorg will take charge on the touchline, making in-game decisions and conducting the pre-match press conference at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. Meanwhile, Flick will observe the game from another part of the stadium while remaining in constant communication with his coaching staff.
Barcelona exhausted all possible avenues to overturn the suspension, but the red card was upheld at every level of appeal. The first Clásico of the season will therefore see the reigning La Liga champions face Real Madrid without their head coach on the bench.
