Pep Guardiola formally warned by FA over comments made about referee Anthony Taylor

Pep Guardiola has been formally warned by the FA for his pre-derby comments about referee Anthony Taylor.

The Manchester City manager was asked to explain his claims that the ‘world’ would be watching the clash with Manchester United earlier this month.

Guardiola had dismissed any concerns about Taylor officiating the match, despite the Wythenshawe official hailing from a suburb of Manchester considered a United stronghold.

But the Football Association still asked Guardiola to submit his observations over his comments.

The Catalan avoided a charge, but could face stronger punishment if he discusses referee appointments in the future.

Taylor’s appointment had caused uproar among City supporters, despite the 40-year-old being an Altrincham fan.

Guardiola insisted he had no issue with the appointment, saying before City’s 3-1 win against United: “He is going to try to do the best job like we try as managers and football players. Mr Taylor is going to try and make a good time.

“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 they can make good decisions for both sides, and a good game, like all England and all Europe is going to watch us. That is the most important pleasure.

“The referee doesn’t want to make a mistake. He knows everyone from around the world is going to watch him and he doesn’t want to make a mistake, that is pretty sure.

“But, if he is fan of United or City, everyone can be a fan of whoever he wants, so no problem.”