Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola facing three-match touchline ban in next season’s Champions League group stages after Liverpool bust-up
Spaniard was sent to the stands for shouting at the referee during the defeat
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PEP GUARDIOLA faces a touchline ban from next season’s first three Champions League group games.
Uefa charged the Manchester City boss over his half-time rant against Liverpool.
Pep’s one-game ban for being sent to the stands could be increased if he is found to have used abusive language to the referee.
And the Spaniard is also in the dock for trying to communicate with City’s bench from his seat in the stand during the second half of City’s 2-1 second-leg defeat by Liverpool.
Meanwhile, the Merseysiders have been charged after a firework was lit and other objects thrown from the away end at the Etihad.
That is in addition to the four charges for the attack on City’s team bus by fans at Anfield last week. All the cases will be heard on May 31.
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Guardiola was furious at Spanish ref Antonio Mateu Lahoz, who wrongly disallowed Leroy Sane’s goal for offside when the tie was on a knife-edge.
He yelled at the official as he left the pitch and lip readers hired by Spanish TV claimed Guardiola said: “Shut your mouth. It’s a goal and a penalty.”
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City’s video analyst Carles Planchart appeared at the back of the stands during the second half and was spoken to by Pep. Just a couple of minutes later, City sent on sub Sergio Aguero.
That could be viewed as improper conduct but Guardiola would probably be let off with a warning for his first offence.
Striker Gabriel Jesus is urging his team-mates not to let their week from hell cloud their achievements this season.
City lost for the third time in a row on Tuesday after blowing the chance to clinch the league title against neighbours United on Saturday.
Brazilian Jesus said: “Three defeats overshadow what we have been doing all season.
“We have no regrets — and we don’t have time to regret either, as we must focus on wrapping up the title.”
