You’ve probably heard all the fuss about Pep Guardiola’s yellow ribbon.
The Man City boss has been charged by the FA for breaching the rules regarding political messages after proudly wearing the pin that symbolises solidarity with imprisoned politicians in Catalonia.
Now Guardiola is ready to defy the Football Association and risk a touchline ban by wear his yellow ribbon at Wembley for the League Cup final.
He has until March 5th to answer the charge but his defiance is likely to lead to more severe punishments, which could also include a significant fine.
Guardiola’s private plane was searched by police looking for exiled Catalan independence leader Carles Puigdemont earlier this week.
Guardiola said late last year: “All the politicians that are in prison, I hope they can leave and go back home soon with their families and continue living the lives they deserve.
“Hopefully sooner or later I can stop wearing it.”
The City manager is free to wear the yellow ribbon pitchside during Champions League fixtures and for matchday media commitments.
But he risks a touchline ban if he wears the yellow ribbon at Wembley this afternoon.
CLAIM YOUR FREE £20 BET Sun Bets have this brilliant offer when you sign up and bet a fiver
“I do that because in Spain two specific people who defend something like the vote, something the people in command do not agree with, are in prison,” he said.
“It’s unfair. To make a rebellion on something like that, you have to be something tough to be in prison. And they are still there.
“OK, they can suspend me for doing that, but the other people are in jail. If they want to suspend me — UEFA, Premier League, FIFA — it’s OK.”
PLAY DREAM TEAM WEEKENDER Pick seven players to win £5k!
READ MORE:
- A speed skater named ‘Wenger’ just finished 4th in the Winter Olympic final
- This is the most bizarre goal you’ll see today (and probably tomorrow)
- Why are Kylian Mbappe and Benoit Assou-Ekotto feuding on Twitter?