Guardiola received a yellow card on the evening of 7/3 at St. James Park after protesting referee Sam Barrott's decision not to award Man City a free-kick for a challenge involving Jeremy Doku and Kieran Trippier.

Coach Pep Guardiola reacts to the referee after Man City's 3-1 victory over Newcastle in the FA Cup fifth round at St. James Park, Newcastle, England on 7/3. *Sportsphoto*

This was Guardiola's sixth yellow card this season. He previously received a touchline ban for the 10-1 victory over Exeter City in the FA Cup third round. Due to accumulated cards, the Spanish coach will likely face another two-match touchline ban.

"I just wanted to say that when Doku dribbled past Trippier and went into the box, he was pulled from behind. I wasn't asking for a yellow card, but it should have been a foul", Guardiola said after the match. "I will defend my team. We hold every record in this country, despite everything. Now I also hold the record for the coach with the most yellow cards".

If he receives a two-match touchline ban, Guardiola will miss the Premier League 30th round match against West Ham and the FA Cup quarter-final. The 55-year-old coach joked he would take a vacation for the next two matches if the ban is applied. "After 10 years, many things I still cannot understand. Let's rewatch that situation. Of course, I will defend Doku and my players", he added.

Referee Barrott also officiated Man City's 1-2 loss to Newcastle in the Premier League 12th round in 11/2025. During that match, Guardiola reacted fiercely when Man City was not awarded a penalty despite Fabian Schar's dangerous tackle on Phil Foden.

"In the previous match, we lost because Newcastle played well and for a reason better left unsaid. Today, that seemed to happen again on the pitch", Guardiola said, hinting at the referee's decisions.

Coach Pep Guardiola celebrates after the match. *Man City*

For this match, Man City made 10 changes to their starting lineup compared to the mid-week 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, but still delivered a convincing performance.

Newcastle opened the scoring early through Harvey Barnes before Man City responded strongly. Savinho equalized at the end of the first half, then Omar Marmoush shone with a brace in the second half, helping Man City come from behind to win 3-1. This result marks Man City's ninth FA Cup quarter-final appearance under Guardiola and their eighth consecutive season achieving this.

"This was our best match against Newcastle in my 10 years here", Guardiola said enthusiastically. "Today, the team performed well both offensively and defensively. We will await the draw on monday. We have consistently reached this round for many years. Eight consecutive seasons in the quarter-finals demonstrates the club's high level of organization".

Hong Duy (according to ESPN, Mancity.com)