Josep Guardiola has been handed a two-game touchline suspension after receiving his sixth caution of the season during Manchester City’s FA Cup win over Newcastle.
Guardiola was given a yellow card by fourth official Lewis Smith, prompting referee Sam Ballot to take action after Kieran Trippier brought down Jeremy Dok on the touchline at St James’ Park.
Managers receive a one-game touchline suspension for every three yellow cards they receive, with new rules introduced this season resulting in a two-game ban for a sixth yellow card.
Guardiola will be absent from the touchline for City’s Premier League game against West Ham on Saturday and for the FA Cup quarter-finals on the first weekend of April.
However, he will be free to remain in the dugout for City’s Carabao Cup final against Premier League title rivals Arsenal on March 22, even though it will take place after the West Ham game and before the FA Cup match.
According to FA guidelines, “EFL and National League System play-off matches (semi-finals and finals), as well as Emirates FA Cup, EFL Cup and EFL Trophy finals, are exempt from automatic touchline bans due to accumulation of warnings by technical area occupiers”.
“Let me tell you one thing: we have all the records in this country, despite everything, everything. We have the record of the manager with the most yellow cards. I want all the records, and now we have them,” Guardiola told a press conference following his two-match touchline suspension.
“This is a two-game suspension and the next two games will be off. There are some things you don’t understand after 10 years.
“Please reconsider your actions. Of course, I will protect Doc and all the team.”
See in photos: Guardiola’s angry scenes
Guardiola wanted a foul for Kieran Trippier’s challenge on Jeremy Dok and was booked for his complaint.
Guardiola continued to reprimand him even after receiving a yellow card
Guardiola still appeared to be admonishing him after the final whistle as his City team won 3-1.
Man City’s upcoming fixtures
Matches in which Guardiola received a touchline ban are in bold.
March 11: Real Madrid (A), Champions League last-16 first leg, 8pm kick-off
March 14: West Ham (A), Premier League, 8pm kick-off
March 17: Real Madrid (H), Champions League last 16 second leg, 8pm kick-off
March 22: Arsenal (North), Carabao Cup Final, live on Sky Sports, kick-off 4.30pm
April 4/5: Opponent TBC – FA Cup Quarter Finals
