Pep Guardiola sanctioned by FA over referee comments

Pep Guardiola; Jose Mourinho TEAMtalk

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been “formally warned” over the comments he made about referee Anthony Taylor ahead of the Manchester derby, the Football Association has announced.

Guardiola went against FA rules by discussing the suitability of the appointment of the Cheshire official, who is from Wythenshawe, for the clash.

Guardiola did not necessarily say anything controversial about Taylor – whose appointment for the derby had caused some consternation among City fans – but the FA has previously warned managers about commenting on officials pre-match.

When asked about Taylor, Guardiola referred to two mistakes made by referees in two City games this season and said: “He is going to try to do the best job like we try to as managers and football players. Mr Taylor is going to try to have a good game.

“The important thing is to focus on our game and, of course, knowing which opponent we are going to face and that is all. Hopefully he can make good decisions for both sides and it will a good game. All England and all Europe is going to watch us. That is the most important pleasure.”

Managers are not supposed to comment on referees in pre-match press conferences, although there is no automatic sanction for doing so.