According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has been officially banned for two matches by the RFEF disciplinary committee after he was sent off during Barcelona’s game against Real Betis last Saturday.

The decision, announced on Wednesday, means Flick will not be able to leave the sidelines until mid-January 2025.

However, Barcelona has ten working days to appeal this ruling and has decided to appeal to the Court of Appeal.

What’s the story?

The reason for Flick’s sending off was his reaction to a penalty decision by referee Muniz Ruiz in the 66th minute of the game.

The penalty awarded to Frenkie de Jong for his foul on Vitor Roque sparked visible protests from Flick, who left the technical area in frustration.

The incident was documented in the referee’s report as an act of shouting and gesticulating in protest of the referee’s decision.

The two-match ban falls under Article 127 of the RFEF Disciplinary Code, which sets out penalties for protests against referees.

According to the regulation, such actions are punishable by suspensions of two to three games or up to a month, unless there is a more serious offense.

What’s next for Hansi Flick?

As a result, Flick will miss two important games in La Liga. He will not be on the bench when Barcelona host Leganes next weekend or in the crucial game against Atlético Madrid on December 21.

Furthermore, due to the busy football calendar, this suspension ensures that he will not return to referee a league game until mid-January 2025.

There are several important games on the schedule for Barcelona during Flick’s suspension. The first weekend of January is dedicated to the round of 32 of the Copa del Rey, in which Barcelona face Barbastro.

The following week the Spanish Super Cup takes place in Saudi Arabia, including a possible semi-final and final.

In addition, the Copa del Rey round of 16 is scheduled for mid-January, assuming Barcelona progress. Luckily for Flick, the ban does not apply to these competitions, so he can take part without restrictions.

His return to the La Liga bench is expected on matchday 20 when Barcelona visit Getafe on January 18 or 19.