Ronald Koeman has commented on the red card received by Gerard Pique in Barcelona’s 5-1 Champions League win over Ferencvaros.
Barcelona brushed aside the Champions League debutants at Camp Nou on Tuesday night but had still had to pay a hefty price.
Pique making silly mistakes has become a regular thing lately. He has just added a new one to his long list of blunders.
The 33-year-old brought down Tokmac Nguen in the box when the Catalans were 3-0 up, earning a straight red in the process.
Not only he gifted the opposition an opportunity to pull one back, but he will also miss Barca’s trip to Juventus on Matchday 2.
However, Ronald Koeman believes referee Sandro Scharer made a harsh call when he opted to send off Pique and point to the spot at the same time.
“The red card was too harsh a punishment,” the Dutch manager said, as relayed by Marca.
“For it to be a penalty and a red card is too harsh. But, you have to give credit to the way the team played with one man less.”
Pique’s absence in Turin will leave a sizeable gap at the back. But, Koeman already knows who will replace the experienced Spaniard.
“You always want to have everyone available,” he started. “But [Ronald] Araujo is doing things well.
“There is a good level of competition at centre-back. I’m confident when something happens to [Clement] Lenglet or Pique because we have Araujo there.”
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