Spanish international and Barcelona defender Gerard Pique received a red card in the final game of his 18-year career after passing savage comments to referee Gil Manzano
Despite sitting on the bench for his final game, Pique received a red card with a potential six-match ban.
What Gerard Pique Said To Referee Gil Manzano To Get Red Card Vs Osasuna
Piquรฉ: "My red card against Osasuna? I went to talk to Gil Manzano, and I explained several plays to him. I told him that his decisions always affect us, and that's why he sent me off. I didn't say anything else. I didn't insult him… It was a teammate." pic.twitter.com/cN2YlwYQQx
— Barรงa Universal (@BarcaUniversal) November 9, 2022
Gerard Piquรฉ won't have a chance to play in his final professional game after he was shown a red card as a substitute at halftime for arguing with the officials ๐ณ pic.twitter.com/fYSNUHhuHH
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 8, 2022
The veteran 35-year-old, who plays as a central defender bade an emotional goodbye to Barcelona fans at Camp Nou on Saturday night.
Piqueโs Final Game
Barca head coach and former teammate Xavi, included Pique among the list of substitutes for the match against Osasuna. Although Xavi might have had plans of subbing in the Spanish star mid-game, Pique threw away all chances after receiving a red card halfway through the match.
Match referee Jesus Gil Manzano gave a straight red card to Pique at the end of the first half.
Why Did Pique Receive A Red Card
Video Footage revealed Pique protesting against the referee during the end of the opening 45 minutes. However, viewers cannot make out what exactly Pique said to the match official from the video footage.
You Are A F***King Disgrace, Go F*** Yourself
According to Spanish football writer Samuel Marsden, Pique allegedly made some foul remarks to the referee.
He quoted the legendary defender as saying:
โHave you seen the corner [for the Osasuna goal]? You are the referee that has f***ed us the most by a distance. You are a f***king disgrace, go f*** yourself.โ
Another Spanish football writer, Sid Lowe, revealed Piqueโs last words as a professional:
โI s*** on your prostitute motherโ
Following the red card, Pique would have potentially received a six-match ban for his foul comments towards Referee Gil Manzano. However, since the veteran is now officially a retired player, Pique will face the consequences. He will however receive the punishment should he decide to change his plans and continue his career.
Piqueโs incident is not the first time something like this has happened. Back in the 2006 World Cup final between Italy and France, Zinedine Zidane received a red card. The incident became one of the most infamous red cards ever given in football history.
The legendary midfielder received a three-match ban after a strong headbutt on Marco Materazzi. However, similar to Pique, it was his final professional game, which meant that he would never have to face the consequences.
Piqueโs Reaction To The Incident
Pique, was initially expected to come on the pitch in the second half. However, following his red card, the 35-year-old simply posed alongside Robert Lewandowski in the away dressing room after the match.
Robert Lewandowski also got sent off in the first half but Barcelona still managed to come behind from 1-0 to secure a 2-1 victory despite being one man down. Barcaโs two second-half goals came from Pedri and Raphinha.
With the win against Osasuna, Barcelona are five points clear of rivals Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. However, Madrid can reduce the gap back to two points if they manage to defeat Cadiz on Thursday night.
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