Pep Guardiola supports Palestine at charity event
Pep Guardiola has risked reigniting an antisemitism feud after the Manchester City manager voiced his support for the people of Palestine in a speech, reports BritPanorama.
Guardiola made his comments during the Act x Palestine charity event in Barcelona, where he served as one of the speakers. This event took place shortly after he had been on the touchline at the Etihad Stadium for Manchester City’s Champions League match against Galatasaray, where the team secured a 2-0 win.
Wearing a black and white Palestinian keffiyeh, Guardiola expressed concern for children who have lost parents amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He remarked, “I think what we think when I see a child in these past two years with these images on social media, on television, recording himself, pleading ‘where is my mother?’ among the rubble, and he still doesn’t know it.”
Guardiola received a standing ovation after his three-minute address. However, the speech follows previous controversies, including accusations that he has endangered the lives of British Jews, particularly those supporting Manchester City. The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester had previously criticized Guardiola for not expressing solidarity after a deadly attack on a synagogue in October, which left two dead and several injured.
The council wrote a letter emphasizing Guardiola’s silence, stating, “it is our strongly held belief that he simply does not care that British Jews were murdered a few miles from the Etihad Stadium.” They contrasted this with actions taken by rival clubs, claiming a lack of support from Manchester City.
Guardiola has long been vocal about the geopolitical issues in the Middle East, having described Israel’s military actions as genocide in earlier comments. He reiterated that the situation has led to the destruction of an entire people, emphasizing the responsibility of the global community, saying, “The damage is already done and it’s irreparable.” He is expected to return to Manchester ahead of City’s upcoming match against Tottenham.
As the sentiments expressed echo broader tensions, Guardiola’s outspoken views highlight how football figures can significantly impact discussions that extend beyond the pitch, providing reminders of the intertwined nature of sport and global affairs.
