Flick tells Barcelona players to avoid referee 'disrespect' after Bellingham red

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick called on his players to refrain from "disrespectful" behaviour towards officials after Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham was sent off for dissent on Saturday.

Bellingham was issued a straight red card for engaging in "foul and abusive language" against referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero during Madrid's 1-1 draw with Osasuna.

Bellingham said after the game that he had not insulted the referee and described the situation as a misunderstanding.

On Sunday, he issued an apology on social media for "leaving my team-mates in such a tough position".

Flick, speaking ahead of Barcelona's home game against Rayo Vallecano on Monday, said he had reminded his squad of the importance of avoiding confrontations with match officials.

@BellinghamJude: “There was no insult and it's clear on the video.” Full interview RM Play
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) February 15, 2025

"It's disrespect. For me, it's like that. But I don't have to decide," he said at a press conference on Sunday.

"I don't like this behaviour 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 the red card. It's a weakness and we don't like that.

"We have one person on the pitch who is allowed to discuss with the referee and that is the captain. We have to accept that."

Third-placed Barca can return to the top of LaLiga with a win over Rayo.