Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has expressed regret over the emotional outburst that earned him a red card during Saturday’s late win against Girona, stating he does not want his grandchildren to see such behaviour.
The 60-year-old was initially shown a yellow card for sarcastically clapping the fourth official over stoppage time.
Moments later, after Ronald Araujo scored the winner, Flick was shown a second yellow and dismissed for making an “obscene gesture” while celebrating with the crowd.
“I don’t like seeing myself in this state on television, and I don’t want my grandchildren to see their grandfather like that,” Flick said. “So I probably have to change my behaviour.”
Flick attributed the passion to his deep feeling for the club, contrasting it with his reserved demeanor at Bayern Munich. He stated he “loves Barca” and that the club has “completely changed” him.
The red card results in a touchline ban that will confine him to the stands for the upcoming El Clásico against Real Madrid on Sunday, though Barcelona are appealing the decision.
While club president Joan Laporta hinted at officiating bias, Flick himself accepted the referee’s decision.