It was a frustrating afternoon for Barcelona on Saturday as they gave away a lead twice before eventually drawing 2-2 with Real Betis at the Benito Villamarin. It was especially annoying for head coach Hansi Flick, who was sent off by referee Alejandro Muniz Ruiz before the first of the home side's two equalizers.
Flick is expected to receive a two-match sideline ban from the Spanish Football Federation as Article 127 states that “protesting to the head referee, assistants or the fourth official, provided it does not constitute a more serious offence, will be punished. with a suspension of two to three matches or for a period of up to one month.” It means he will be suspended for Barcelona's upcoming matches against Leganes and Atletico Madrid.
However, Marca say Barcelona will appeal the sanction as they believe Flick did not protest to anyone in the officiating team. Instead, they insist he was complaining to himself.
It would be a blow for Barcelona to be without Flick in the dugout, especially for that match against Atleti. How the matter will be handled next week remains to be seen.
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