Gerard Pique banned from acting as Spanish second division club owner after furious referee confrontation

TL;DR

Gerard Pique has received a six-match suspension from the Spanish Football Federation and a two-month ban from acting as owner of FC Andorra due to his complaints about refereeing. FC Andorra also faces penalties, including a €1,500 fine and partial stadium closure.

Key points

Gerard Pique received a six-match suspension
He is banned from acting as FC Andorra's owner for two months
The suspension follows complaints about refereeing
FC Andorra was fined €1,500
The club faces a partial stadium closure for two matches

Mentioned in this story

Gerard PiqueSpanish Football Federation

FC AndorraAlbacete

Pique has been suspended by the Spanish Football Federation (AFP/Getty)

Gerard Pique, the owner of FC Andorra, has been handed a six-match suspension by the Spanish football federation following his complaints regarding refereeing during a second division match.

The former Spain and Barcelona star is also banned from acting as the club's owner for two months. This stems from incidents during a 1-0 home defeat by Albacete on 1 May.

FC Andorra itself faced penalties, including a €1,500 fine and a partial stadium closure for two matches.

The federation quoted Pique telling a match official: "In another country, they would tear you apart, but here in Andorra we are a civilized country."

Pique and an investment group acquired FC Andorra in 2018, when the club, based in the small Pyrenean nation between Spain and France, was languishing in the fifth division. Founded in 1942, the club had historically played in lower tiers.

Pique enjoyed a successful 14-year spell at Barcelona (Getty)

Andorra currently sit in 10th place in the second division standings.

Pique is best known for his time with Barcelona, having played for the Catalan club between 2008 and 2022 after starting his senior career at Manchester United.

Q&A

What led to Gerard Pique's suspension as FC Andorra owner?

Gerard Pique's suspension was due to his complaints about refereeing during a second division match, which resulted in a six-match ban.

How long is Gerard Pique banned from acting as an owner?

Gerard Pique is banned from acting as the owner of FC Andorra for two months.

What penalties did FC Andorra face due to Pique's actions?

FC Andorra was fined €1,500 and faced a partial stadium closure for two matches.