Guardiola may face charge and fine for discussing referee before derby

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Pep Guardiola could be facing an FA charge and subsequent fine for talking about referee Anthony Taylor in the build-up to Sunday’s Manchester derby.

The Manchester City boss referenced Taylor during a pre-match press conference ahead of the win over Manchester United. Managers are not allowed to discuss officials before a match.

The FA are seeking Guardiola’s observations about the matter and he has until 6pm on Thursday to respond.

Jose Mourinho w as fined £50,000 for misconduct following comments made about Taylor prior to United’s goalless draw against Liverpool at Anfield in October 2016.

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FA bosses were also left demanding answers from Mourinho following last year’s acrimonious Manchester derby after he spoke about Michael Oliver in a pre-match press conference.

That they have asked Guardiola for an explanation falls into line with previous disciplinary proceedings against Mourinho.

Guardiola said of Taylor, who is from Wythenshawe: ‘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. 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.’

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