Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has issued a stern warning to his players, urging them to avoid unnecessary confrontations with referees.
This comes in the wake of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham’s controversial red card for arguing with the referee during their 1-1 draw against Osasuna.
Flick emphasized the importance of discipline, stating that disrespecting officials is a weakness that can cost the team dearly.
Flick’s Firm Stance on Referee Respect
Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s LaLiga clash against Rayo Vallecano on Monday, Flick made it clear that he expects his squad to remain professional and composed in all situations.
“It’s disrespect. For me, it’s like that. But I don’t have to decide the punishments,” Flick told reporters. “I don’t like this behavior, and I said this today to my players because it’s very important. It is not good for the team when you do this and get a red card. It’s a weakness, and we don’t like that.”
Flick further stressed that only the team captain should engage in discussions with the referee, a stance that aligns with maintaining control and focus on the game rather than engaging in heated arguments.
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Jude Bellingham’s dismissal has been the talk of Spanish football over the weekend. The England international was shown a straight red card in stoppage time after arguing with the referee. Following the incident, Bellingham took to social media to express regret, apologizing to his teammates for leaving them in a tough position.
Although Bellingham claimed there was a misunderstanding, the referee’s decision stood, highlighting the strict stance on player conduct in LaLiga. Flick’s reaction to the situation suggests that he does not want his Barcelona players falling into a similar trap, especially as they continue their pursuit of the LaLiga title.
Barcelona currently sits third in the LaLiga standings but could climb to the top with a victory over Rayo Vallecano. Every match now carries extra significance, and maintaining discipline is crucial to their title challenge. Flick knows that unnecessary red cards and suspensions can derail their momentum, making his message even more critical.
With Real Madrid and Girona also vying for the title, Barcelona cannot afford costly mistakes, particularly in a league where every point matters.
