Gerard Pique slapped with two-month ban as Andorra owner after referee run-in

Gerard Pique slapped with two-month ban as Andorra owner after referee run-in

FC Andorra owner Gerard Pique has been heavily sanctioned for his outbursts towards officials in recent weeks, and will not be able to exercise his duties for the coming months. Pique has spoken out against referees in Segunda on a number of occasions, but has also faced steadily increasing fines.

Last Friday, a furious Pique pursued the officials after Andorra lost to Albacete 1-0 at home, with an 86th minute winner from Jonathan Gomez. Pique’s complaints were recorded in the match report, as recounted by Sport.

“Gerard Pique Bernabeu shouted at me in a threatening manner, following me within inches of my face along the tunnel to the entrance of the referees’ dressing room, protesting and objecting to my performance.” The report continues on to record some of Pique’s shouts, including “leave with an escort so you don’t get attacked,” “I hope you have an accident,” “in another country they would beat you up, but here in Andorra we are a civilised country.”

Pique hit with six-game ban and two-month suspension

The 39-year-old former Barcelona and Spain defender has since been hit with a significant sanction. He will not be able to attend Andorra’s next six games, and has been suspended from his duties as president for the next two months. The club has been fined €1.5k, and will receive a partial closure of their stadium for the next two matches. The last part of the punishment will be restricted to the presidential box and the VIP seats.