Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that footballers are forced to live in a ‘crazy world’ following a recent attack on Jack Grealish and Phil Foden.
City were left stunned last week when it emerged Jack Grealish was attacked by a Manchester United supporter following the derby at Old Trafford. The man slapped Grealish round the face.
This came just hours after Phil Foden was targeted by United fans with chants about his mother heard across the stadium.
Fan who slapped Grealish was subsequently arrested, charged with assault and will appear in court in Manchester later this year. United have missed a banning order to the offender.
Jack Grealish. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Speaking on this issue, Guardiola insists United are not to blame for such things happening, because it is a societal problem around the world.
Guardiola said: “It doesn’t feel good, but we move forward. It happens everywhere. It’s a crazy world, not just in sport. Nobody is immune from that.
“It’s not about United. Of course, it’s beyond that person, but it’s not a problem about a specific club or department in world football, it happens everywhere.”
Speaking after the Manchester derby draw where the chants were sung, Guardiola slammed: “A lack of class,” said Guardiola. “But it’s not United, it’s the people, you know?
“We are so exposed, the people who are on the screen in world football – managers, owners, and football players especially.
“Honestly, I don’t understand what goes on in the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil. It’s a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed.”
