Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been charged by the Football Association for 'wearing a political message, specifically a yellow ribbon', the governing body has announced.
The FA said in a statement that the yellow ribbon worn by the former Barcelona boss on his jacket in support of imprisoned Catalan politicians was in breach of its kit and advertising regulations.
Guardiola, whose side face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, has until 6pm on Monday, March 5 to respond to the charge.
While political messages have been banned for a number of years around football games — which was the cause of the annual poppy controversy with FIFA — UEFA changed their rules this season to only ban offensive messages.
Guardiola initially wore the ribbon in support of the imprisoned politicians Jordi Cuixart and Jordi Sanchez. They were incarcerated during the row over Catalan independence.
Guardiola was born in central Catalonia and has a long association with the region, having both played and managed Catalan club Barcelona.
He spoke after City's game against Arsenal last year about the ribbon: 'I hope that the politicians in prison can leave as soon as possible for their families.
'If it can happen to them then it can happen to us. For giving an opinion. People shouldn't be confused and think it couldn't happen to them, because it can.'
The City boss was criticised by his rival Jose Mourinho for being allowed to wear the ribbon prior to the club's game against Manchester United.
‘I’ve known Pep for many years,’ he said. ‘I think I know what Pep feels about his country. To have it in football, I don’t know the rules.
‘If the rules allow us to do that, he is a free citizen to do it, but I am not sure if the rules allow any political message on the pitch. That’s just my doubt. I think I wouldn’t be allowed to, that’s just what I think.’
AkshayMishra
351
I think this is pathetic on the part of FA! Supporting something doesn't mean that was offensive to anyone or even in this case to EPL! I support Pep! ✋
Messipines
155
Pep did a good job anyone has the right to express there opinions and shouldn’t be charged
Suche
107
FA should look for better things to do and leave Pep alone. He has been wearing that ribbon since last year, how come they just noticed it now.
atharvamahajan2121
85
they just want one topic to elongate and ti insult anyone there was no need guardiola is a great man with best personality he always do things by thinking he thinks before he do something no reason to be charged
Saharsh_Bawankar
68
Don't make this good game a ground for political agenda. Its not good for sporting spirit. I too support catalan independence but if you do that in some places it will give problem to everyone and result will be bitter.
7isaspecialnumber
55
As a football fan, not a greedy politician fan, I don't want Catalan. I have no idea about Catalan's people and political status , but I want more el clasicos.
DevilsUnited
24
Honestly, in my view, it's not appropriate wearing that. I respect his feelings for catalona but it's the football leagues are the stage which try to unite people worldwide and we shouldn't mix political issues. And again it's league of England and publicly allowing to wear might hurt others feelings as well as it's watched by billions worldwide and then again comes legal and relationship status between two countries. I do hope Pep will understand.