Manchester City strolled to the League Cup today thanks to a 3-0 procession against Arsenal. It marked Pep Guardiola's first English trophy as his attention now turns to the Premiership and Champions League.
Away from football, Guardiola could be seen wearing a yellow ribbon despite being charged by the FA for wearing the symbol recently. The ribbon is regarded as a gesture of support to the jailed Catalan independence activists following the recent controversy.
Managers and players are not allowed to demonstrate 'any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images' but speaking after the game, Guardiola confirmed he would continue to sport the ribbon.
Guardiola on ribbon: "I accept if I broke the rules, I accept the fine. I am a human being, there are four guys in prison, plus other guys [in exile] and to be in that situation you have to have weapons, and we don't have weapons." Says he will wear it "until the last."
— Sam Lee (@SamLee) February 25, 2018
Earlier this year Guardiola spoke out after members of the independence committee were jailed:
I hope that the politicians in prison can leave as soon as possible for their families.
If it can happen to them then it can happen to us. For giving an opinion. People shouldn't be confused and think it couldn't happen to them, because it can.
The FA had issued formal warnings to Guardiola previously which he ignored, and he now looks set for an FA standoff. He had until 18:00 GMT on Monday, 5 March to respond to the initial charge, although it is likely the FA will not look kindly on his continued defiance.
