City Boss Banned for Two Games Ahead of Arsenal Final

Pep Guardiola has been handed a two-match touchline ban after receiving his sixth yellow card of the season during Manchester City’s FA Cup victory over Newcastle United – but the Catalan will still be able to take charge for the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal — the latest chapter in a rivalry that has defined the Premier League title race in recent years.

The suspension applies exclusively to Premier League and FA Cup fixtures, meaning Guardiola will be permitted to occupy the dugout at Wembley when the Gunners face City in the showpiece final.

According to Football London, the City boss will instead serve his ban during the Premier League fixture at West Ham next Saturday and the FA Cup quarter-final in early April.

Guardiola’s Frustrated Outburst

The 55-year-old’s latest booking came after a furious protest following a decision not to award Jeremy Doku a foul during the second half of City’s 3-1 win at St James’ Park.

“When Jeremy Doku dribbles past Trippier and goes alone to the box and is being pulled form behind, I’m not asking for a yellow card but please – it’s a foul,” Guardiola said post-match.

The former Barcelona manager appeared to embrace his disciplinary record with typical dry humor, joking about his achievement of accumulating the most yellow cards among Premier League bosses this season.

“We have all the records in this country – all of them. Despite everything, we have all of them. And we have the record of the manager with the most yellow cards. I have always wanted this record and now I have it. Two game banned now and I will go on holidays.”

Arsenal Final Remains Unaffected

The timing of the suspension works in City’s favor, as the Carabao Cup operates under different disciplinary regulations than domestic league and cup competitions. This means Arsenal will face a fully-prepared City side with their experienced tactician on the sideline.

The news comes as both clubs prepare for what promises to be a fascinating tactical battle at Wembley. Arsenal have shown impressive form in reaching their first major final under Mikel Arteta, while City continue their pursuit of multiple trophies across all competitions.

Guardiola’s absence from the West Ham clash and FA Cup quarter-final will test City’s coaching depth, with assistant Juanma Lillo likely to take temporary charge. The draw for the FA Cup quarter-finals takes place on Monday, with Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool already confirmed among the final eight teams.

The Carabao Cup final represents a crucial opportunity for Arsenal to secure silverware and build momentum for the remainder of the season.