Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has called for players to receive greater protection from referees after Lamine Yamal voiced his frustration over fouls against him going unpunished.
The 17-year-old shared an image on social media of a blood-soaked sock on his left foot following Saturday’s win over Las Palmas, having been on the receiving end of a number of robust challenges.
Flick was hopeful Yamal would be available for Tuesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid but said referees should take greater action to deter persistent fouling.
“We have to wait and see (on Yamal),” Flick said. “I think he will be able to play, I have a positive feeling.”
Asked about the wider topic of protecting players, Flick continued: “We can’t say that Lamine or certain players are specially protected, it should be for everyone. If they don’t get yellow cards, hard fouls keep being repeated.
“We have to protect them, I think it’s the sensible thing to do. Not just some special players, but all of them.
“In Spain we all like to see the one-v-ones, to see those footballers who are capable of getting past the defenders, they have to be protected.”
Yamal set up Dani Olmo for Barcelona’s opening goal during the weekend’s win over Las Palmas, recording his 16th assist of the season and 12th in La Liga — a league high. The Spain international has featured 33 times in all competitions during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 11 goals
Saturday’s 2-0 victory leaves Flick’s side top of La Liga. After Tuesday’s fixture against Atletico, they return to league action against Real Sociedad on Sunday.
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(Lamine Yamal/Instagram; Manaure Quintero/AFP via Getty Images)
