Pep Guardiola is facing potential disciplinary action from the Football Association for his comments on referee Anthony Taylor before Sunday’s Manchester derby.
The Manchester City manager has been asked by English football’s governing body to clarify his remarks, which were made following criticism of Taylor’s appointment.
Taylor hails from Wythenshawe in south Manchester, some six miles from Manchester United’s Old Trafford home, and is a supporter of non-league Altrincham.
Guardiola steered clear of questioning Taylor’s appointment when the matter was raised at his pre-match press conference but called on the official to “make good decisions for both sides”.
“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,” Guardiola said.
“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.”
Though Guardiola spoke positively of Taylor, managers are prohibited from publicly discussing referees before matches, even in a complimentary manner, in case their comments influence the official’s decisions.
Last month, Rafael Benitez, the Newcastle United manager, was fined £60,000 by the FA for expressing ‘confidence’ in Andre Marriner before his side’s trip to Crystal Palace in September.
In 2016, Jose Mourinho was charged with misconduct and fined £50,000 after speaking about Taylor’s appointment to a meeting between United and Liverpool.
Guardiola has until 6.00pm on Thursday to respond to the FA’s request.
