Guardiola warned after Gaza comments made at Barcelona charity event | OneFootball

Why has Guardiola been warned over his Gaza comments?

Guardiola warned after Gaza comments made at Barcelona charity event

Pep Guardiola has been advised to choose his words carefully after speaking about the suffering of civilians in Gaza at event in Barcelona.

Warning issued after public remarks

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been urged to be more careful with his language following public comments he made about Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

The warning came from the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region which expressed concerns that Guardiola’s remarks could contribute to rising tensions and potentially fuel antisemitic acts.

Guardiola spoke last week during charity event in Barcelona, he repeated his support for Palestinian children and said that the suffering of innocent people in conflict zones “hurts” him.

Jewish Council calls for focus on Football

In official statement shared on the social media platform X, the Jewish Representative Council said it has often encouraged public figures to be cautious when speaking about sensitive international issues.

The group advised Guardiola to focus on football despite acknowledging that his intentions may be humanitarian.

The council stated that Guardiola’s repeated public involvement in Middle East-related discussions had caused concern within the local Jewish community.

Criticism over lack of local solidarity

The council also criticised Guardiola for what it described as failure to show solidarity with Manchester’s Jewish community following attack near Heaton Park Synagogue in October.

According to the statement, members of the community felt disappointed that Guardiola had not used his platform to address antisemitic violence closer to home.

The council added that Jewish communities in both Manchester & Barcelona have faced threats in recent months and urged the City manager to consider the impact of his words.

Guardiola Maintains Humanitarian Position

Guardiola has previously stated that he feels compelled to speak when he sees innocent people suffering, not only in the Middle East but in conflicts worldwide.