Pep Guardiola is set to receive a two-match touchline suspension after collecting another yellow card during Manchester City’s FA Cup victory against Newcastle United at St. James' Park.
Pep Guardiola is set to receive a two-match touchline suspension after collecting another yellow card during Manchester City’s FA Cup victory against Newcastle United at St. James' Park.
The city head coach was cautioned following an exchange with fourth official Lewis Smith on the sideline. The incident occurred after Kieran Trippier committed a foul on City winger Jérémy Doku, prompting Guardiola to voice his frustration.
That yellow card marked the sixth caution he has received during the current campaign. Under regulations introduced this season, the accumulation of bookings leads to disciplinary sanctions for managers.
The new rules state that a single-match suspension is triggered after three cautions, while reaching six results in a two-game ban.
The punishment applies to domestic competitions, including the Premier League and FA Cup matches, but it does not extend to European tournaments or domestic cup finals.
As a result, Guardiola will still be present on the touchline for the upcoming Carabao Cup final against Arsenal FC on 22 March.
However, the Spaniard will be absent for City’s league encounter with West Ham United scheduled for next Saturday.
He will also miss the club’s FA Cup quarter-final match set to take place on the weekend of 4–5 April, although the draw for that round has yet to be confirmed.
Following the game, Guardiola spoke about the moment that led to the caution, offering a sarcastic reaction to the prospect of suspension.
He remarked that he now holds the distinction of being the manager with the most yellow cards in the country and joked that the impending suspension would give him the chance to take a short holiday during the next two matches.
The City boss also suggested there were aspects of the decision he still struggled to understand despite many years working in the league.
Guardiola emphasised that his reaction came from a desire to support his player, stating that he would always defend Doku and the teams he manages.
