FA charge Guardiola over yellow ribbon protest

Pep Guardiola has been charged by the Football Association (FA) over the yellow ribbon he wears during matches in solidarity with political prisoners in his native Catalonia.

The Manchester City manager began wearing his ribbon after Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart were placed in custody as part of the crackdown that followed last October’s referendum on Catalan independence – a poll the national government in Madrid deemed to be illegal.

A statement issued by the FA read: “Pep Guardiola has been charged for wearing a political message, specifically a yellow ribbon, in breach of The FA’s kit and advertising regulations.

“He has until 6pm on Monday, March 5 to respond to the charge.”

City will play three games before that deadline – Sunday’s EFL Cup final against Arsenal, a trip to the Emirates Stadium to face the Gunners in the Premier League on Thursday and Chelsea’s visit to the Etihad Stadium next weekend.