'Referees must protect players like Lamine Yamal and Vinicius Jr.' - Hansi Flick urges referees to take action against defenders roughing up Barcelona and Real Madrid stars

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick was direct in his call to all La Liga referees, urging them to ensure the protection of stars like Lamine Yamal and Vinicius Jr. by not allowing rough tackles from defenders to go unpunished.

Refereeing in LaLiga is a topic that has come under severe scrutiny in recent times, with clubs like Real Madrid, Alaves, Real Sociedad, Rayo Vallecano, and Leganes all publishing official statements to express their dissatisfaction with the quality of officiating.

While Flick had previously supported the referees, advocating for their protection, he has now voiced his protest in favor of safeguarding the players, urging referees to take action against reckless challenges from defenders.

The stats don't lie, either. Vini Jr. and Yamal are among the most fouled players in LaLiga, winning 50 and 43 fouls, respectively (according to data from StatMuse).

"We can't say that Lamine, Vini, or Raphinha have to be specially protected, but rather all the players," Flick explained (h/t AS).

"If it's a tough tackle, a yellow card should be given; otherwise, it will keep happening again and again. They (the referees) need to do it, and that's it. The most sensible thing is what I’m saying. As a defender, you have to know that next time you can't go in hard. If I get a yellow card, the next time I’ll be more relaxed.

"Everyone loves it when a player is at their best in a one-versus-one. This is what makes Barcelona and Madrid special. These players are able to play against one or two players at the same time. This needs to be protected."

The Barcelona head coach is overseeing an impressive debut season with the Catalans as they find themselves at the top of the LaLiga table and have a relatively straightforward path in the Champions League, where they are paired with Benfica in the Round of 16.