Newcastle United's life has been a little tougher after a UEFA decision ahead of Thursday's game at St James' Park
Hansi Flick looks on
Hansi Flick may have to tinker with his squad(Image: Getty Images)
Barcelona have been handed a timely boost ahead of their Champions League encounter at St James' Park after a decision by UEFA.
It had been expected that Barca boss Hansi Flick and his assistant Marcus Sorg, who were serving a Champions League touchline ban, would be banished to the stands at St James' Park, but the duo are now free to take their spots in the dugout.
The pair had been deemed to violate UEFA conduct rules last season in a clash against Inter Milan.
But after an appeal, the ban has been partially lifted, meaning Flick and his number 2 will be able to plot their tactical plans from the technical area on Thursday.
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UEFA have warned Flick and Sorg that their behaviour will be monitored for the next 12 months in Europe.
Flick's side had lost 4-3 to Inter last season, with the former Bayern Munich and Germany boss blasting the officials that night back in May.
Flick said then: "Every 50-50 call went in favor of the Italian side.
"I don’t want to say too much about the referee. It wouldn’t be fair to my team, who gave it their all. I already told him what I thought of his performance."
Mundo Deportivo reported today in Spain: "Based on the allegations put forward by Barcelona, UEFA has partially upheld the appeal and, therefore, has suspended the sanction imposed on both Flick and Sorg .
"This means that both will be eligible to sit on the bench for Barcelona in the next match of the competition, for which they were initially suspended for violating the general principles and basic rules of conduct established by the regulations of the top continental club competition."
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