RIBBON ROW ROLLS ON

MANCHESTER CITY boss Pep Guardiola has been warned that he is on a hiding to nothing in his battle with the FA. Guardiola (left) has been charged with “wearing a political message” after sporting a yellow ribbon in support of the jailed Catalan independence leaders. The Spaniard was given two warnings by the FA that he was in breach of kit and advertising regulations. But after defiantly wearing it again at Wembley on Sunday in City’s Carabao Cup win over Arsenal, Guardiola insisted he has no intention of backing down.

He is now facing a touchline ban and has been warned he is taking on a battle he cannot win.

Breach

An FA source said: “There is no problem with him wearing the ribbon before and after games, just not during a game when he is stood on the touchline.

“If he is found to be in breach of FA regulations, then he will be sanctioned – and a touchline ban is one of the punishments available.

“If he continues to wear the ribbon after his charge is dealt with, then he will face further action and further punishment.”

Guardiola, who has until 5pm on Monday to respond to the charge, was first contacted by the FA in December and told to stop wearing the ribbon.

FA bosses charged him last week after he again wore it pitchside during City’s shock FA Cup loss to Wigan at the DW Stadium.