Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has come under renewed scrutiny after addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza during a pre-match press conference, comments that have drawn sharp reactions from representatives of the Jewish community.
Speaking on Tuesday in the build-up to City’s English League Cup encounter with Tottenham Hotspur, the Spanish coach explained that global conflicts and human suffering compel him to speak publicly, referencing Israel’s military actions in Gaza alongside other international crises.
Guardiola told reporters in Manchester that modern society has unprecedented access to information, making it impossible to ignore events unfolding across the world. He cited conflicts in Palestine, Ukraine, Russia and Sudan, describing them as shared human concerns rather than distant political issues.
The 55-year-old appeared visibly emotional as he condemned the loss of innocent lives, saying the killing of civilians deeply troubles him. He stressed that causing harm or wiping out thousands of innocent people is something he finds profoundly painful and unacceptable.
Reiterating views he has expressed in the past about the suffering of Palestinian children, Guardiola said he feels morally obligated to speak out when violence is used to defend ideas or positions. He maintained that he would always stand against actions that result in mass civilian deaths.
However, his remarks prompted a strong response from the Jewish Representative Council (JRC), which criticised the Manchester City boss and urged him to refrain from commenting on sensitive international issues.
In a statement released on February 4, the JRC said it has consistently called on high-profile figures to be cautious with their language, particularly given the rise in attacks against Jewish communities worldwide. The council argued that Guardiola, as a football manager, should concentrate on his professional role rather than global political commentary.
The group also expressed frustration that Guardiola has not used his platform to show solidarity with Jewish communities affected by recent violent and antisemitic incidents, including attacks close to Manchester and Barcelona. According to the JRC, this made his comments especially troubling.
Concluding its statement, the council appealed to Guardiola to exercise greater care in his future remarks, warning that irresponsible language from influential figures could further endanger Jewish communities.
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