Barcelona president Joan Laporta did not hold back with his assessment of the refereeing in Saturday’s 2–1 win over Girona, suggesting officials are out to punish the reigning La Liga champions.
Manager Hansi Flick was sent off during the late stages of the game after his sarcastic applause of a decision from referee Jesús Gil Manzano was quickly followed up by an obscene gesture, which means he will now serve a touchline ban when Barcelona travel to face Real Madrid on Oct. 26.
In the Barça General Assembly just hours later, Laporta spoke at length about off-field happenings at the club, but the president could not resist the opportunity to suggest there is a “white hand” in the refereeing department.
“If there isn’t one, it looks very much like one,” Laporta said.
“We’ve appealed both cards to our coach. The referee overstepped his bounds. I know it’s difficult to get his suspension overturned, but I’ve told the manager we’re with him.
“I didn’t like the referee’s attitude. This man has always sent off all the players who stand out. He has a résumé to show for it. We always think nothing will happen… and it always ends up happening. Much more so before an important match.
“Flick was hurt by his behavior. He told me it wasn’t like him. I told him he looked good while doing the gesture. And on top of that, they pushed him to the limit with the cards. The referee gave him the second one and kept an eye on him to see how he reacted. Man, turn around and that’s it… I ask for a round of applause for Hansi Flick.”
Gil Manzano has overseen 44 games involving Barcelona and has produced no fewer than 11 red cards to players across that time, 10 of which went to the Blaugrana. The likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Robert Lewandowski have all been given their marching orders by the official.
