Pep Guardiola will face no retrospective action from the Football Association for his provocative behaviour during Saturday's match between Manchester City and Liverpool.
The City boss celebrated wildly on the touchline after witnessing Julian Alvarez equalise for the hosts in the 27th minute, racing towards the home supporters while punching the air. Guardiola then turned his attention to the Liverpool substitutes who were out warming up, first approaching Kostas Tsimikas followed by Arthur Melo.
Repeatedly requesting the former to shake his hand while simultaneously waxing lyrical over his team's goal, Guardiola eventually got his wish when Arthur complied with a request for a handshake. Both of the Reds' substitutes could be seen with a smile on their face during this incident, though Tsimikas was praised by many for keeping his cool and walking away from the situation without producing a strong reaction.
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Guardiola could have faced an FA charge under Rule E3, which relates to general behaviour and demands individuals to not 'act in any manner which is improper or brings the game into disrepute'. Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel were both charged for a breach of E3 after their heated exchange at the end of Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur back in August, but the ECHO understands no such punishment will be forthcoming for the City boss.
Defending his actions after Saturday's showdown at the Etihad, Guardiola told reporters: “I was happy and I said, ‘How nice was our goal?’ That’s all. Of course (it was an attempt at humour). Come on." Pressed further on the matter, he added: "No, come on. I am so sorry. I speak with Tsimikas. You people say it is a lack of respect. Ask him if I lack respect."
The Catalan coach may well have escaped an E3 charge, but there is a possibility Liverpool could be stung by FA rule E20.1. Relating to the players conducting themselves in an orderly fashion, the Reds have run the risk of a potential fine after surrounding referee Simon Hooper when Rodri avoided a second yellow card for a foul on Cody Gakpo.
The ECHO understands the FA are currently reviewing the referee's report from Saturday's match, with a final decision yet to be announced.
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