This archive report was first published on 25 September 2019.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has spoken out in defense of midfielder Bernardo Silva, who faced criticism for a tweet comparing teammate Benjamin Mendy to a cartoon character.
On Sunday, Silva posted a tweet likening Mendy to a character in the logo for Conguitos, a Spanish and Portuguese confectionery brand, but deleted it an hour later.
He later posted a second tweet saying, 'can’t even joke with a friend these days… you guys.'
However, anti-racism body Kick It Out condemned Silva's actions, stating that racist stereotypes are never acceptable as 'banter.'
Guardiola addressed the incident after Manchester City's 3-0 win over Preston North End in the League Cup on Tuesday, saying, 'If they want to do that and ask for Bernardo, he’ll be open to talk.'
Guardiola also emphasized that Mendy had not taken offense to the tweet, stating, 'There are many situations with white people where a cartoon will look similar. The response from Mendy was clear. They are joking all the time.'
Guardiola further defended Silva, saying, 'Bernardo is one of the most lovely people I’ve met in my life. He speaks four or five languages — that’s the best way to understand how open-minded he is.'
Guardiola's comments come after the Football Association (FA) reportedly wrote to Manchester City seeking an explanation for the tweet.
