Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong launched a fierce criticism of referee Jesús Gil Manzano following his team’s frustrating 2-1 away defeat to Real Sociedad on Sunday.
De Jong Blasts Referee Gil Manzano: “He Can’t Behave Like That”
The Dutch international, who captained the side, accused the official of arrogant behavior and poor decision-making.
Speaking to DAZN after the final whistle, de Jong expressed his exasperation. “You can’t even talk to him,” he stated.
“I’m the captain and I can talk to the referee, but he looks at me as if he’s above you. It’s very frustrating. He can’t behave like that.”
The midfielder highlighted a specific moment that earned him a yellow card.
“I tell him to keep an eye on the time because they take too long to take the kick, it’s not even ten seconds, and he gives me a card. I think it’s crazy,” de Jong explained.
His anger contrasted with his resignation over Lamine Yamal’s disallowed goal for offside. “If it is offside, it is offside. There is no other way,” he acknowledged.
Despite the officiating controversies, de Jong admitted his team lacked a clinical edge in front of goal.
“I think we deserved to win. We had many chances and we played well, but in the end football is about putting the ball in. We did not do it and their goalkeeper was very good.”
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick reportedly echoed his captain’s dissatisfaction with the officiating.
The club must now regroup quickly, turning their focus to an upcoming UEFA Champions League fixture against Slavia Praha as they seek to bounce back from this disappointing result.
