Pep Guardiola anticipates two-match suspension following referee comments in Manchester City’s victory.
NEWCASTLE, England — Pep Guardiola has indicated that he anticipates receiving a two-match touchline ban following his outburst at the officials during Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday.
City advanced to the quarterfinals with a commendable win at St James’ Park.
– Pep Guardiola suggests he may remain at Manchester City next season
– Have two targets for Man City diminished the club’s title chances?
– Chelsea provide Wrexham’s Premier League aspirations with a reality check
Guardiola received a yellow card during the match after expressing his discontent with referee Sam Barrott’s choice not to award a free kick following a confrontation between Jérémy Doku and Kieran Trippier.
This marked Guardiola’s sixth yellow card of the season. Having already served a touchline ban for the FA Cup third-round match against Exeter City, he is now facing another extended suspension.
“When Jeremy Doku dribbles past Trippier and heads towards the box while being pulled from behind, I’m not asking for a yellow card, but it is a foul,” Guardiola stated.
“I will stand up for my team. I will tell you something. We hold all the records in this country, every single one, despite everything.
“We have the record for the manager with the most yellow cards.
“I want all the records, and now I have it. A two-game ban now means I will take a break for the next two matches.
“Oh my god. Oh my god. There are aspects after 10 years that I still cannot comprehend. Review the incident.
“Of course, I will defend Doku and my entire team. They continue to perform.”
If Guardiola receives a two-game suspension, he would be absent for the Premier League match against West Ham and the FA Cup quarterfinal.
Barrott was also the referee during City’s 2-1 league loss to Newcastle in November, when Guardiola was incensed that a penalty was not given after a challenge by Fabian Schär on Phil Foden.
“In the first match [in November], we could not secure a win due to Newcastle’s quality and for a reason best left unmentioned, and today it was evident on the pitch as well,” Guardiola remarked, seemingly directing a pointed comment at the official.
