Credit: Imago, FootballonTNT on X

Evan Lloyd

Sun 8 March 2026 10:22, UK

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Manchester City will have to play two games without manager Pep Guardiola on the touchline after he received his sixth booking of the season.

The Spaniard was booked by referee Sam Barrott in the second half of Man City’s 3-1 win over Newcastle United in the FA Cup on Saturday.

The visitors had gone behind early on, but goals from Savinho and Omar Marmoush ensured that they bounced back from Wednesday’s draw with Nottingham Forest to secure a place in the quarter-final.

Guardiola had gone mad at the referee after a moment in which he thought that Jeremy Doku was fouled by Kieran Trippier.

Man City’s win on Saturday was their seventh across their last eight games across all competitions, and has kept the dream of a historic quadruple alive.

The games Pep Guardiola will be suspended for

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider last month that Guardiola could leave Man City this summer, and rumours to the same effect have been building.

The 55-year-old will have been in charge at the Etihad Stadium for a decade this summer, and does look to be growing tired with some aspects of the Premier League.

If he is to leave, he will undoubtedly attempt to go out on a high by winning a seventh Premier League and other trophy he can get his hands on.

With that in mind, there is some suspicion that Guardiola may have known what he was doing when he picked up his sixth yellow card of the season.

The Spaniard looked to get disproportionately angry when Barrott decided against awarding a foul to Doku, going on until the referee had no choice but to book him.

He is now set to miss both the trip to West Ham next week and Man City’s next FA Cup opponent, whoever they may be.

The ban will not apply to the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal, and it will also ensure that Guardiola is not banned when the Citizens travel to Chelsea, and when they host the Gunners in the Premier League.

With both games set to be absolutely key in the title race, it is no surprise that the Spaniard has ensured that he will be present to make his impact.

What Guardiola said after ban confirmed

There was very little else to be frustrated about for Guardiola on Saturday, with his side producing a superb performance.

The Citizens looked comfortable throughout, creating several chances to sink their opponents with seeming ease.

Asked about the yellow card after the game, Guardiola said: “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 records and now I have it. Two-game ban now and I will go on holidays the next two games.

“There are things after 10 years I cannot understand. Review the action. Of course I’m going to defend Doku and all my teams.”