‘What they are doing in Spain with the referees is unbelievable’ – Barcelona manager Hansi Flick

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has told off Spanish football for their treatment of officials, in a week where an investigation was opened into a referee following controversial calls that Real Madrid felt were against them. The German coach asked for the players and manager to protect referees, ‘as we can’t play without them.’ The week […] The post ‘What they are doing in Spain with the referees is unbelievable’ – Barcelona manager Hansi Flick appeared first on Football España.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has told off Spanish football for their treatment of officials, in a week where an investigation was opened into a referee following controversial calls that Real Madrid felt were against them. The German coach asked for the players and manager to protect referees, ‘as we can’t play without them.’

The week in Spanish football has been dominated once again by refereeing controversy, after Real Madrid railed against a sending off for Jude Bellingham, and complained of penalties not given. Alaves and Real Sociedad also expressed dismay at officiating in their games against Leganes and Real Betis respectively.

“It is very important to have referees. What they are doing with the referees in Spain is unbelievable. I don’t like it. We have to think about the families. We as players and managers have to protect them too. I don’t like to use energy against the referees,” Flick said unprompted and defiantly.

“We have the VAR and we have to trust them. You have to change things, because they are human and it is normal to make mistakes. The Federation must show how strong they are, because it’s important. Players and coaches also make mistakes, and we must protect them.”