Barcelona's appeal successful: Flick sits on the bench in Newcastle

Will be on the sidelines in Newcastle: Hansi Flick. IMAGO/Photo Players Images

Barcelona led 3-2 at Inter Milan before Francesco Acerbi forced the Catalans into extra time in the 93rd minute of the Champions League semi-final second leg. The rest is familiar: substitute Davide Frattesi ended the Spanish champions' dream with a goal to make it 4-3 in extra time . Barca missed the final in Munich, and Hansi Flick missed a return to his former stomping ground.

The frustration was immense. So great that Flick sharply criticized the strong referee Szymon Marciniak from Poland and was suspended for one match by UEFA on July 31 for "unsportsmanlike conduct."

Barcelona appealed and was successful. The one-match ban has now been suspended by UEFA's appeals body. This means the German coach of the Catalans will be able to coach his team from the bench in last year's semi-finalists' opening game on the island against Newcastle United. His assistant coach, Marcus Sorg, also received a suspended sentence. However, UEFA decided to fine Flick and Sorg €20,000 each.

Flick has ambitious plans for the upcoming Champions League season. "Our project isn't over; we want to get even better and we have room for improvement," the 60-year-old told kicker. After the opening match in Newcastle, he and his team can demonstrate this on Matchday 2. Then reigning champions Paris St. Germain come to Barcelona.