Pep Guardiola hits back at politicians scapegoating footballers over worsening coronavirus situation

Pep Guardiola has hit back in the controversy surrounding celebratory hugging by warning politicians to stop scapegoating footballers over the worsening coronavirus pandemic.

The Manchester City manager’s admission that players may not be able to stop themselves hugging each other at goal celebrations due to instinct and the euphoria of the moment was dismissed as “ridiculous” by MP Julian Knight this week.

Knight, chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee, said some of the scenes at top flight matches were “brainless” and “give out an awful message” as players come under growing pressure to observe stricter Covid-19 protocols, which include a ban on hugging when celebrating goals.

Yet Guardiola - clearly irked by Knight’s remarks - fears too much blame is being laid at the door of players and insisted they were committed to trying to observe the rules.

“We know we are concerned how important it is and how difficult the situation is in the UK today,” said the City manager, whose mother, Dolors Sala Carrio, died in April from coronavirus.

“Unfortunately, a lot of people are dying every day and being infected and we have to do it [follow the rules]. We are going to do our best to follow the new rules and what the scientists inform us we have to do.

“But, please, the situation in the UK is not due to football players, so don’t blame us and the players for irresponsibility in our jobs. It’s a pandemic all around the world. From day one we followed what the Prime Minister [Boris Johnson] says.”

Guardiola had suggested after City’s 1-0 win over Brighton on Wednesday that “[didn’t] know if we are able to do it” when asked if he could stop his players from celebrating after Phil Foden was mobbed by seven team-mates following his first half goal. But he insisted on Friday that they would do their utmost to adhere to the protocols.

“We want to follow the protocols,” said Guardiola, whose side face Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. “I understand how sensitive everything is. I don’t think the whole problem or the pandemic in the UK right now is due to the players.

“We can do as much as we can, as best as possible to follow all the protocols. When someone breaks the rules like sometimes happens it’s not good.

"We know the situation. Hopefully we will score a lot of goals and we have to be careful not to hug much but, sometimes, it’s difficult. In football if you lose the emotion of what happens in that moment it’s difficult.

"On the other side, I understand. A lot of people cannot do their jobs and are closing and we are fortunate we can play football.

“Honestly we try, I’m pretty sure of that. All the clubs, all the managers, doctors, all the clubs in the Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two want to follow the rules and protocols.”