Gerard Pique banned for two months after referee dispute in 2026
Gerard Pique receives a two-month ban from Spanish football authorities following a post-match argument with a referee.
Pique's suspension details Gerard Pique, the retired Spain and Barcelona defender who stepped away from playing in 2022, has been handed a two-month suspension by the Spanish football governing body. The penalty follows a heated exchange with a match official during FC Andorra's recent 1-0 loss to Albacete. The disciplinary body confirmed the ban stems from actions that violated sporting decorum, as documented in the referee's official report. ## Referee's claims about Pique Referee Alonso de Ena Wolf included direct quotes from Pique in his post-match documentation. According to the report, Pique allegedly told the official to 'leave with an escort so nobody attacks you' and added 'in another country they would beat you up, but here in Andorra we are a civilised country'. These remarks formed part of the evidence used against him in the disciplinary hearing. ## Club staff also sanctioned FC Andorra faced additional penalties beyond Pique's suspension. Club president Ferran Vilaseca received a four-month ban, while sporting director Jaume Nogues was suspended for the same duration. The sanctions reflect the federation's view that multiple staff members participated in the confrontation with match officials. ## Andorra's current standing FC Andorra currently occupies the tenth position in Spain's second-tier league. The club's ongoing campaign continues despite the recent disciplinary issues involving its ownership and coaching staff. The team's performance remains unaffected by the governing body's rulings at this stage. ## Pique's illustrious career highlights Pique accumulated nine La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League trophies during his time with Barcelona. His international career included victories at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012 with Spain's national team. His contributions to both club and country cemented his legacy as one of the most decorated defenders of his generation.