One of the most surprising facts from the draw between Real Betis and FC Barcelona was the expulsion of Hansi Flick, the first for the Barça coach. An unintentional stomp by Frenkie de Jong caused Vitor Roque to fall inside the area. Although the referee initially signaled nothing and allowed the play to continue, VAR intervened and after watching the replay several times on the monitor, referee Muñiz Ruiz corrected himself and awarded a penalty.
The decision did not convince Hansi Flick, who protested to both the main referee and his assistants. Immediately, Muñiz Ruiz decided to show a direct red card to the FC Barcelona coach, who was expelled for the first time since taking charge of the culé bench. He noted this in the match report: In the 65th minute, coach Flick, Hans-dieter was expelled for the following reason: E For leaving the technical area shouting and gesturing, protesting one of my decisions. Hansi Flick did not agree with Muñiz Ruiz's decision and explained it at the end of the match in the press room:
"I don't want to talk about the referees, I never do. It was a reaction because it took a long time to see whether it was a penalty or not. They said it was very clear and in the end, we must accept the referee's decision. I am very disappointed because I thought this wouldn't happen to me, but it is what it is. It was my reaction, nothing more, I didn't say anything to anyone"
The German coach will miss the match in Montjuïc against Leganés. However, there is a possibility that he could be sanctioned with two matches, which would also cause him to miss the clash against Atlético de Madrid.
Record of Expulsions for Barça Coaches
No team has suffered more expulsions of coaches since the 2019/20 season than FC Barcelona: five. Ronald Koeman saw red twice, Xavi Hernández twice, and against Betis, Hansi Flick has also been expelled. In La Liga, only Getafe with José Bordalás (3) and Quique Sánchez Flores (2) matches this statistic.