Behrens on outburst: "Wrong and unacceptable" - Barcelona’s preseason clash sparks internal review after Behrens-Koutsias altercation
FC Barcelona has launched an internal review after an on-pitch confrontation between teammates during a preseason friendly. The incident involved forward Kevin Behrens and defender Georgios Koutsias in a match against Viktoria Plzeň on January 9, 2026. The club has already taken disciplinary action against those involved.
The clash occurred during a friendly in Turkey, where Behrens shoved and verbally abused Koutsias. FC Barcelona quickly condemned the behaviour as unacceptable and against the club’s values. Team officials addressed the matter immediately at their training camp in Belek.
Behrens later admitted his actions were wrong and issued a public apology. He expressed regret to Koutsias, the club, and supporters. The 33-year-old, who joined Barcelona last summer after spells at Wolfsburg and Union Berlin, also earned one Germany cap under Julian Nagelsmann in 2023. The club confirmed it would decide on further sanctions following its internal investigation. No timeline for a final decision has been announced.
FC Barcelona has made clear that such conduct will not be tolerated. The disciplinary measures already in place signal the club’s stance on player behaviour. Behrens’ future with the team now depends on the outcome of the ongoing review.
