Pep Guardiola expects two-game touchline ban after Newcastle FA Cup clash

Pep Guardiola expects a suspension after receiving his sixth yellow card of the season
Manchester City beat Newcastle United 3-1 to reach the FA Cup quarterfinals
Guardiola protested referee Sam Barrott after a challenge involving Jérémy Doku and Kieran Trippier

Pep Guardiola said he expects to receive a two-game touchline ban after being booked during Manchester City’s 3-1 victory against Newcastle United in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

City secured their place in the quarterfinals with the win at St James’ Park, but Guardiola was shown a yellow card during the match for protesting referee Sam Barrott’s decision not to award a free kick.

The incident occurred after a challenge involving City winger Jérémy Doku and Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier when Guardiola believed a foul should have been given.

The booking was Guardiola’s sixth of the season. Having already served a touchline suspension earlier in the competition during the third-round match against Exeter City, he could now face a longer ban.

“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.

“I will defend my team. 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 the records and now I have it. Two game ban now and I will go on holidays the next two games.”

If the suspension is confirmed, Guardiola would miss Manchester City’s upcoming Premier League match against West Ham United as well as their FA Cup quarterfinal.

Barrott also officiated City’s 2-1 league defeat to Newcastle in November. On that occasion Guardiola was unhappy after a penalty was not awarded following a challenge by Fabian Schär on Phil Foden.

“In the first one we could not win for the quality of Newcastle and for a reason that is better not to remember,” Guardiola said. “Today he was on the pitch as well.”

Despite the controversy, Manchester City progressed comfortably to the next round of the FA Cup as they continue their pursuit of silverware this season.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.