Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has again insisted that Bernardo Silva should not be criticised for his controversial tweet about teammate Benjamin Mendy.
Silva compared Mendy to the mascot of Spanish chocolate brand Conguitos, which drew plenty of criticism and allegations of racism (because it was racist). However, when asked about the incident, Guardiola was adamant that it was nothing more than a joke between two friends.
Can’t even joke with a friend these days... You guys... 臘♂️
— Bernardo Silva (@BernardoCSilva) September 22, 2019
Now, speaking ahead of City's clash with Everton on Sunday (via Manchester Evening News), Guardiola has once again supported Silva, insisting that he knows the Portuguese midfielder well enough to know it was a joke.
He said:
“Bernardo, or anyone else in my squad, do these things for a joke. Benjamin is like a brother to Bernardo, that is what I see every single day here.
When asked whether he could understand why some would be offended by the tweet, Guardiola confessed that he is aware of the potential problems of the interaction, although he insisted that people should not try to make it appear worse than it is.
“If someone is affected or feels bad about that tweet or any comments, it can happen.
“Focus on other issues, not Bernardo. It was just a joke. The same happened a thousand times with white people. It was a cartoon. If people think it’s the opposite then Bernardo and City are open.
“Skin colour, where you were born, you feel better than the other, is ridiculous. I was born in Catalonia because my mum and dad were there.
“I speak for myself. I don’t think I’m something special because of my colour of my position. I’ve understood that for a long time. Bernardo too, I spoke many times with him over three years. Put the focus on other things, not Bernardo.
“If someone is offended I can understand it. Bernardo is maybe going to take a lesson and it won’t happen again.”
Source : 90min