Pep Guardiola handed two-match touchline ban | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is set to serve a two-match touchline ban following a heated confrontation with officials during his side’s 3-1 FA Cup victory over Newcastle United on Saturday.

The incident occurred in the second half at St James’ Park when Guardiola became incensed after Jeremy Doku appeared to be pulled back by Kieran Trippier without a foul being awarded.

His furious protest to fourth official Lewis Smith prompted referee Samuel Barrott to brandish a yellow card – Guardiola’s sixth of the domestic campaign – triggering an automatic two-game ban under new disciplinary regulations introduced for the 2025/26 season.

Guardiola reacted to the news with his trademark sarcasm, joking that he would use the enforced absence to have a break.

“I will tell you something – we have all the records in this country, all of them, despite everything,” Guardiola said post-match.

“We have the record of the manager with the most yellow cards. I want all records and now I have it.

“Two-game ban now, and I will go on holidays the next two games.”

Guardiola will be absent from the dugout for Saturday’s Premier League trip to West Ham United and City’s FA Cup quarter-final in early April.

The City coaching staff will take charge of touchline duties for the affected games, while Guardiola will still be permitted to communicate with his team from the stands.

The ban does not apply to domestic cup finals or European fixtures. Guardiola will be on the touchline for the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal on March 22 and the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.