PEP ON RAP OVER RIBBON & BLUES
PEP GUARDIOLA ignored two formal warnings from the FA before he was charged for wearing a yellow ribbon yesterday.
The Manchester City boss has been charged for breaching the FA’s advertising and kit regulations and is facing a fine.
Guardiola began wearing the ribbon – in support of imprisoned politicians in his native Catalonia – in November and was issued with two formal warnings by the FA after he continued to sport it. The charge came following his decision to wear the ribbon during the Blues’ shock 1-0 FA Cup defeat by Wigan on Monday, which constituted a breach of FA regulations. In December Guardiola said: “I do it because in Spain people who defend the vote, something the people in command do not agree with, are in prison. If they want to suspend me – UEFA, Premier League, FIFA – it’s OK.” Under FA rules, Guardiola is permitted to wear the ribbon anywhere but pitchside, and the first test will come in tomorrow’s League Cup final against Arsenal at Wembley. Guardiola has until 6pm on March 5 to respond to the charge.