By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Pep Guardiola has been handed a two-game touchline ban after receiving his sixth yellow card of the season while protesting a refereeing decision during Manchester City F.C.’s FA Cup victory over Newcastle United F.C..
The Manchester City manager was booked after angrily confronting the fourth official when referee Sam Barrott failed to award a foul following a challenge by Kieran Trippier on City winger Jérémy Doku.
Guardiola argued that Doku had been clearly pulled back while driving into the penalty area and defended his decision to protest the call.
“When Jeremy Doku dribbles Trippier and goes alone to the box and is being pulled from behind, I’m not asking for a yellow card but it’s a foul,” Guardiola said after the match. “I will defend my team.”
The booking was Guardiola’s sixth caution of the campaign, which under current disciplinary rules triggers an automatic two-match touchline suspension. As a result, the City boss is expected to miss the club’s upcoming Premier League fixture against West Ham United F.C. and their next FA Cup match.
Guardiola reacted with sarcasm when addressing the punishment, suggesting he would treat the suspension as a short break.
“I will tell you something — we have all the records in this country, all of them, despite everything. We have the record of the manager with the most yellow cards. I want all records and now I have it,” he said.
“Two-game ban now and I will go on holidays the next two games. Oh my god. There are things after 10 years I cannot understand. Review the action. Of course I’m going to defend Doku and all my teams.”
Despite the controversy on the touchline, Manchester City secured a 3–1 victory over Newcastle to advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals, maintaining their strong record in the competition under Guardiola.
The Spaniard’s latest outburst adds to a growing disciplinary record this season, although the suspension will not affect his presence on the touchline for the upcoming Carabao Cup final.
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