Last week the City boss was fined £20,000 and warned as to his future conduct after accepting a charge of "wearing a political message'' in relation to the ribbon, which Guardiola wears in support of imprisoned politicians in his native Catalonia.

Guardiola has argued wearing the symbol is not political but accepted it is in breach of the FA's rules.

And the 47-year-old Catalan left it until the last minute to remove the ribbon before Monday's 2-0 win, and was wearing it again in the postmatch press conference.

Pep Guardiola removes his yellow ribbon in support of jailed Catalan independence leaders ahead of the match against Stoke. Getty Images

Asked about the ribbon in that press conference, Guardiola said: "I respect the FA. I don't agree, but I have to respect it. They allow me to wear it before and after the game, so it's here now.''

Guardiola was wearing a yellow daffodil during the match, in common with counterpart Paul Lambert and all other Premier League managers this weekend, to raise awareness for the Marie Curie charity.

"They [the club] gave it to me,'' Guardiola said. "It's Marie Curie. If the club give it to me, I always wear it.''

Guardiola has said he will continue to wear the ribbon for pre- and post-match media commitments, as is permitted. The FA's kit and advertising regulations refer specifically to the technical area during games.