Pep Guardiola Suspended for Two Matches in England Due to Yellow Card Accumulation
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has received a two-match domestic suspension after accumulating six yellow cards this season. His latest booking came during his team's FA Cup quarter-final clash against Newcastle United.
The Spanish coach was cautioned by the referee for protesting a foul not given on his player Jeremy Doku, who was making his first appearance after recovering from a calf injury that had sidelined him for over a month. Manchester City ultimately won the match 3-1.
Manchester City will be without their coach on the touchline for their next two Premier League fixtures against West Ham and Crystal Palace. However, Guardiola will be available to return for the League Cup final (Carabao Cup) scheduled for March 22 against Arsenal.
Guardiola commented on the suspension with a sarcastic tone, stating, “We have all the records in this country, including the record for the coach with the most yellow cards.” He added in another statement, “I will go on holiday during the next two games.”
According to Sky Sports data, Guardiola currently tops the list of coaches with the most cards (yellow and red) in English football since the 2019-2020 season, tied with other names, with a total of 14 cards. The recent incident occurred after a challenge by Kieran Trippier on Doku, which the referee did not deem a foul, leading to the Spanish coach's frustration in the match where the Sky Blues secured their place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
