3 hours Ago By [email protected] (Daniel Orme)
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola caused quite a stir when he claimed he wanted to "harm himself" after being seen with visible scratches on his face and head. The comments came following City's surprising draw with Feyenoord, where they squandered a 3-0 lead in the last 15 minutes. Guardiola, who had a noticeable cut on his nose and other marks on his head, told reporters it was due to an accidental self-inflicted injury, but made a controversial joke about self-harm, saying: "My finger, here [points to nose].
My nail. I want to harm myself." As he left the press conference, a journalist offered words of comfort, remarking: "It will be okay.
" Online reactions were mixed, with some criticising Guardiola's choice of words, one commenting: "Pep should be sanctioned for this comment. Self harm is not a joke. Disgraceful comment.
" Another said: "Wanting to harm yourself is not something to make jokes about.", reports the Mirror . Meanwhile, others showed concern for Guardiola's wellbeing, with a City fan posting: "Hey Citizens can someone please checkup on Pep.
..Dude is mentally down.
I think he has lost the dressing room, the players are not playing for him." Another said: "This is a very concerning comment." Guardiola issued a heartfelt apology on a social media platform on Wednesday morning, after his comments during a post-match press conference were perceived as insensitive.
"I was caught off guard with a question at the end of a press conference last night about a scratch which had appeared on my face and explained that a sharp fingernail had accidentally caused this," he explained. He emphasised that his response was not meant to trivialise the serious issue of self-harm. "My answer was in no way intended to make light of the very serious issue of self harm.
I know that many people struggle with mental health issues every day, and I would like to take this moment to highlight one of the ways in people can seek help, by calling the Samaritans hotline on 116 123 or emailing [email protected]." Man City are now without a win in six matches and head to Premier League leaders Liverpool on the weekend.
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