Jewish community leaders urge Guardiola to 'stick to football'

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been urged to "stick to football" following criticism from Jewish community leaders over his remarks on victims of international conflicts.

During a charity gathering in his native Barcelona last week, Guardiola delivered a talk backing Palestinian youngsters.

In a Tuesday press briefing, the Spanish coach explained to reporters that the plight of civilians trapped in wars across Palestine, Sudan and Ukraine deeply affects him, prompting him to voice his concerns.

That stance has irked the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester, who worry such phrasing might spark antisemitic incidents.

"We have often urged high-profile figures to choose their words wisely, considering the assaults Jewish people have faced worldwide," the council stated on X.

"Pep Guardiola manages a football team. Even if his thoughts on humanity come from a good place, he ought to concentrate on the sport."

The organisation further criticised Guardiola for not offering any support to Manchester's Jewish residents after the October assault on the Heaton Park Synagogue, where two lives were lost.

"It is particularly frustrating, especially since he has made no effort to leverage his influential position to show support for the Jewish community hit by a terror incident just minutes from the Etihad Stadium," the statement continued.

"We call on Mr Guardiola to watch his wording more closely in the future, bearing in mind the real dangers our community confronts."