Pep Guardiola is set for a spell in the stands after picking up his sixth booking of the season during Manchester City‘s win at Newcastle United on Saturday.
The City manager will be forced to watch from the stands for his side’s upcoming Premier League fixture against West Ham United and their FA Cup quarter final.
Guardiola received his sixth yellow card of the season during a heated FA Cup fifth round victory at St James’ Park.
Under current regulations, a sixth booking for a manager triggers an automatic two match suspension.
Despite the ban, the Spaniard will be permitted to return to the dugout for the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal later this month.
This development comes at a critical juncture for the reigning champions, who are currently trailing Arsenal by seven points in the Premier League table.
Guardiola’s absence from the technical area has historically seen City remain disciplined, but the lack of his tactical gesturing and immediate influence on the sidelines remains a concern for supporters.
The incident occurred late in the match when Guardiola reacted furiously to a decision by the fourth official, leading to the referee brandishing the yellow card.
City have confirmed they will not be appealing the decision, meaning the manager will begin his suspension immediately.
The club’s coaching staff, led by assistant Juanma Lillo, will take charge of the matchday operations in his absence.
Guardiola expressed his frustration in a post match interview, acknowledging that his passion sometimes gets the better of him but insisting that his players are professional enough to perform without his direct presence.
The upcoming match against West Ham is seen as a must win if City are to keep the pressure on league leaders Arsenal, making the timing of this ban particularly unfortunate for the club.