Pep Guardiola handed ban by Premier League after rule change, nobody knew until now

Pep Guardiola will serve a touchline ban during Wolves v Manchester City, commentator Jacqui Oatley has confirmed.

Earlier this week, Newcastle United defeated City 1-0 in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

During the game, Guardiola was served a yellow card by referee Chris Kavanagh after remonstrating with the fourth official.

However, when discussing the booking in the post-match press conference, the 52-year-old admitted it was ‘deserved’.

"I don’t know how many fouls they did, how many fouls we had and the number of yellow cards," he said. "But it is what it is, sometimes the emotions are there. Respect for the referees and their job. A well-deserved yellow card.”

Due to Kavanagh showing Guardiola a yellow during the Carabao Cup game, the Premier League has announced that the City boss has been banned from the touchline at the Molineux Stadium today (Saturday, 30 September) due to a rule change.

Breaking the news on X (formerly Twitter), broadcaster Oatley, 48, wrote: “Pep Guardiola will serve a touchline ban here at Molineux today after being shown a third yellow card of the season in the Carabao Cup defeat at NUFC.

“Last season, the threshold was 4 yellows, reduced to 3 this season to try to reduce dissent from technical areas. He’s expected to watch the match from the directors’ box.”

In reply to her original statement, Oatley continued: “This was news to all of us but I’ve just confirmed it directly with the Premier League.”

Pep Guardiola will serve a touchline ban here at Molineux today after being shown a third yellow card of the season in the Carabao Cup defeat at NUFC. Last season, the threshold was 4 yellows, reduced to 3 this season to try to reduce dissent from technical areas. He’s expected…

— Jacqui Oatley (@JacquiOatley) September 30, 2023

Since posting the update to social media, many X users have been having their say.

“That's actually hilarious, the fella has already served a self imposed two match ban and still has acquired the cards necessary for another one,” said one fan.

Another agreed with Guardiola’s absence and said: “These managers needs to be banned longer as they seem to have no control.”

“I hope there's proper hospitality there. Pep should be treated with highest quality of service,” replied a third.

Elsewhere, another X user criticised Manchester City fans for just realising they would be without their manager.

“How's this even breaking today? Shows City fans don't even keep tabs on (sic) their small club.”

The Wolves v Manchester City Premier League clash is due to kick off on Saturday, 30 September at 3pm BST. The match will not be broadcast in the UK.

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