Pep Guardiola to write to FA over ribbon stance

Updated February 28, 20181 Mins read458

Pep Guardiola has revealed he will write a letter to the Football Association explaining his decision to continue wearing a yellow ribbon.

The Manchester City boss was charged by the FA for “wearing a political message” for sporting the symbol in support of imprisoned Catalan politicians over recent months.

Guardiola said in the aftermath of City’s Carabao Cup final victory at Wembley that he would carry on wearing the ribbon because he is “a human being before a manager”.

When asked if there had been any contact with the FA since Sunday’s match against Arsenal, the Catalonia-born manager said: “No contact. I am going to write a letter and explain my position, but as I said I am available to [meet with] the FA, absolutely. There is no problem.”

The FA prohibits the displaying of political messages by club officials on the touchline and twice warned Guardiola before issuing the formal charge last week.

Guardiola had started wearing the ribbon after two political leaders were imprisoned following the region’s independence referendum in October, which was declared illegal by Spain.

Meanwhile, the former Barcelona manager also confirmed his desire to keep hold of English midfielder Phil Foden, who turns 18 in May and is understood to be a key figure in City’s plans going forward.

Pep Guardiola wants to tie Phil Foden to a long-term deal

The England U17 World Cup winner has broken into Guardiola’s first-team squad this season and featured as a late substitute against Arsenal on Sunday for his sixth appearance.

Guardiola said: “He knows, his family and manager know that we would like to keep him with us for a long time.

“He has to grow up and become strong but there is huge quality there.”