Ex-refs chief: Pep Guardiola 'making a point' as Man City boss suspended after Newcastle United

PGMOL officials need to be more protective of players despite a serving suspension for Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the manager has no leg to stand on after being cautioned against Newcastle United.

Guardiola was absolutely furious after no free-kick was given for a challenge on Jeremy Doku on Saturday, 7 March, eventually punished for his reaction on the sidelines at St James' Park.

After a run of poor performances, Guardiola was being tipped to leave Man City, but the Citizens are thriving once again, hoping to challenge Arsenal for the Premier League title.

Pep Guardiola handed a suspension after scenes at St James' Park

After picking up his sixth yellow card of the season, Guardiola will now miss games against West Ham in the Premier League and City's next FA Cup fixture, with their opponents currently unknown.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “If you’re brandishing yellow cards, there has to be a deterrent, just like there is for players, who are banned after five cautions. 

“At the start of the season, clubs see these regulations. They can interject and say it’s unacceptable. But once the season starts and you break that criterion, you get suspended. 

“If Guardiola is unaware, someone at Man City might have whispered in his ear, asking if he realises that he’ll get done with another yellow card. 

“There’s a cynical element within the game, and Guardiola is making a point. It’s no different to the calls I got from Arsene Wenger during his time at Arsenal. 

“Referees must protect players, and some skilful players are not protected. The danger here is that we don’t see what Guardiola sees, and that’s the outcome of the challenges on his players.” 

What decisions did Samuel Barrott get wrong in Newcastle vs Man City?

Guardiola made his feelings clear about the referee's performance, and some may say rightfully so, after he missed a couple of key incidents during the 90 minutes.

Hackett told Football Insider that Tijjani Reijnders should have been awarded a penalty after being taken out in the box by Malick Thiaw, just two minutes into the game at St James' Park.

There was a lot going on inside the penalty area that went unpunished, with no end in sight for the pushing and pulling during set-pieces.

Nico Gonzalez could have also been cautioned for kicking the ball away, but it seems that Barrott let a lot slide during the game.