By Ghazali Ibrahim
Manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, has been handed a two-match touchline ban after receiving his sixth yellow card of the season during his side’s FA Cup victory over Newcastle United on Saturday.
The incident occurred during City’s 3–1 win at St James’ Park when Guardiola angrily confronted the fourth official over a challenge on winger Jeremy Doku that he believed should have been called as a foul. Referee Sam Barrott subsequently booked the Spaniard for his reaction.
Under competition rules, accumulating six yellow cards results in an automatic two-match suspension for managers.
The ban means Guardiola will be forced to watch from the stands during Manchester City’s upcoming matches against West Ham United and in their FA Cup quarter-final tie.
Despite the disciplinary setback, City secured victory in the match thanks to goals from Savinho and a brace from Omar Marmoush after Newcastle had taken an early lead through Harvey Barnes.
The suspension, however, will not affect Guardiola’s presence at the upcoming Carabao Cup final against Arsenal because the punishment applies only to matches governed by the Premier League and the FA Cup.
Guardiola later defended his reaction, saying his protest was motivated by a desire to protect his players and ensure fouls were properly recognised by match officials.
The Spanish tactician’s absence from the touchline means his assistants will take charge of team instructions during the affected matches as Manchester City continue their pursuit of silverware this season.
