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Guardiola ready to give up ‘yellow ribbon’ Catalonia protest at City’s request

Published

7 years ago

March 1, 2018

The Catalan manager has been charged by the Football Association over displaying the political symbol on the touchline during games, in contravention of the English governing body’s regulations and in spite of two official warnings.

The City boss has claimed his protest is not political, but humanitarian, although it relates to four Catalans currently being held in prison over the campaign for Catalan independence from Spain.

Although Guardiola has been backed in his position by City, he does concede that should that position change, he will abandon his ribbon protest.

And he would do likewise if he ever felt that the issue was beginning to affect his team, currently a huge 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League.

“Yeah of course, the club is in front of (more important than) me,” Guardiola told a pre-match news conference ahead of Thursday’s league match with Arsenal — the team his side beat in the League Cup final at Wembley last weekend to give the manager his first trophy in English football.

“It’s more important what is happening with the team and the club than my personal opinion. Of course, I don’t want to damage my team or club. They know my opinion, it’s simple like that.”

‘Personal not political’
Guardiola, a former manager of both Barcelona and Bayern Munich, added: “I think it’s not going to happen but if they (the club) say that, I am going to accept that. They are the bosses. The club is more important than my personal opinion. But my personal opinion is not a political opinion.”

His much-publicised stance over the controversy in Catalonia has become a major issue in his homeland where, according to reports in Spain, the City manager’s private plane was searched at Barcelona’s El Prat airport last week by police looking for exiled Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont.

However, Guardiola insists that, even though his protest aims to highlight the fates of a jailed group that includes Catalan politicians Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, it is not a political issue.

“When men and women put on a pink ribbon it’s because of the support for the breast cancer initiative,” he said.

“The same when I wear the the prostate cancer badge, it’s the same, the idea is the same, there are a lot of ribbons.

“I’m pretty sure there are people all around the world in Spain and Catalunya who do not want to be independent, but they are not agreeing with putting people in ‘prevention’ jail.

“It’s not about the right or left, the democracy or the republicans. If I wear the ribbon (as) support for the people with AIDS, it’s not for the right or left.

“The people in Catalunya are independent people, it’s not about a political issue. It’s for the people who say it’s not right to have four people in the ‘prevention’ jail when two of them are not politicians.

“No, the ribbons are many colours. It says something for humanity. The FA, I am open to talking to them, to express what I expressed in the last days and today.”

Support for Wenger
Meanwhile, Guardiola has also voiced his support for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, widely criticised following City’s emphatic 3-0 win over his team in Sunday’s League Cup Final at Wembley.

There have been calls for the veteran French manager to be replaced by the Gunners at the end of the season but, in contrast to a number of his high-profile peers, Guardiola insisted he will never speak badly of a rival.

“What happened with Arsene after the game has happened to me. I always support my colleagues,” said Guardiola.

“I don’t understand when managers criticise the other managers because we feel the same, when we win, when we lose, we accept the opinions of the fans and the people and you feel alone.

“Believe me, you feel alone because there’s a lot of pressure on your shoulders. I understand completely. I’d like to tell him that I am close, I am on the same side as him.”

Related Topics:Football Man City Pep Guardiola

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SPORTS

Ademola Lookman Named African Footballer Of The Year, Barbra Banda Picks Up Women’s Award

Published

1 day ago

December 17, 2024

Reporter

Ademola Lookman named African Footballer of the Year | fab.ng

Ademola Lookman, 27, was awarded the prestigious African Footballer of the Year title by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This happened at their awards ceremony on Monday.

Lookman’s exceptional performances throughout the year earned him this honour. Particularly, his remarkable hat-trick in the Europa League final is where his Italian club, Atalanta, triumphed over Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin this past May.

Additionally, Lookman played a key role in Nigeria’s success at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier in the year. He helped the team reach the final in the Ivory Coast.

During the tournament, Ademola Lookman scored three goals.

“This award is a blessing, to be recognised as best player in Africa is something incredible,” he said.

“Four years ago my career fell down but now I’m here as the best player in Africa. Don’t let your failures stop your dreams.”

Lookman won the African Footballer of the Year award, surpassing strong contenders such as Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, and South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

When the stars align, they spell 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐦𝐚𝐧. 🌟

Ladies and gentlemen, your Men’s Player of the Year! 🏆#CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/xtHxJozThj

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 16, 2024

A panel of national team coaches and captains determined the award, though the voting tallies have not been released yet.

This achievement makes Lookman the seventh Nigerian player to win the prestigious award, following in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Victor Osimhen.

He joins a distinguished list of past Nigerian winners, including Nwankwo Kanu (who won twice), Emmanuel Amunike, Victor Ikpeba, and Rashidi Yekini.

In other award categories, Zambia’s Barbra Banda was named African Women’s Player of the Year.

Shining bright as always! 🌟

𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 is the Women’s Player of the Year after a season of stellar performances!#CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/OIhXql2dgf

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 16, 2024

Despite being excluded from the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals due to gender eligibility issues, Banda was cleared by FIFA to compete in the 2023 Women’s World Cup and went on to play in this year’s Paris Olympics.

Men’s awards:

Player of the Year: Ademola Lookman (NGR)

Club Player of the Year: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns/RSA)

Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (RSA)

Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (SEN)

Coach of the Year: Emerse Fae (CIV)

National Team of the Year: Ivory Coast

Club of the Year: Al Ahly (EGY)

Best X1: Andre Onana (CMR); Achraf Hakimi (MAR), Kalidou Koulibaly (SEN), Chancel Mbemba (COD); Mohammed Kudus (GHA), Sofyan Amrabat (MAR), Franck Kessie (CIV), Yves Bissouma (MLI); Mohamed Salah (EGY), Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman (both NGR)

Women’s awards:

Player of the Year: Barbra Banda (ZAM)

Club Player of the Year: Sanaa Mssoudy (FAR Rabat/MAR)

Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (NGR)

Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (MAR)

Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe/COD)

National Team of the Year: Nigeria

Club of the Year: TP Mazembe

Best XI: Andile Dlamini (RSA); Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale (both NGR), Lebohang Ramalepe, Karabo Dlamini; Linda Motlhalo (all RSA), Rasheedat Ajibade (NGR), Ghizlane Chebbak (MAR); Barbra Banda (ZAM), Asisat Oshoala (NGR), Tabitha Chawinga (MAW)

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SPORTS

Harry Maguire Says Manchester United’s Win Over City Is The Start Of A ‘Positive Journey’

Published

2 days ago

December 16, 2024

Reporter

Harry Maguire speaks on win over Man City by Man United | fab.ng

Harry Maguire, 31, expressed optimism following the dramatic victory over Man City by Man United. He called it a “statement” win that will boost the team’s confidence.

The victory comes as United continues adapting to a new system under head coach Ruben Amorim.

The match at the Etihad saw Man City initially take the lead through Josko Gvardiol’s precise header, putting them on track for a crucial win. However, United’s resilience shone late in the game.

Captain Bruno Fernandes equalised in the 88th minute, converting a penalty earned by Amad Diallo. Moments later, Diallo delivered a stunning 90th-minute goal to secure the win for United.

The result marked Ruben Amorim’s biggest success since taking over from Erik ten Hag last month. Furthermore, it signals growing momentum as Man United adjusts to his strategies and tactics.

Maguire highlighted the impact of such a win in fostering belief and unity within the squad as they navigate the transition under their new manager.

“It’s been a difficult start to the season for us and not much for our fans to cheer about,” said defender Maguire.

“It was a great performance in the end to come here and have 50-50 of the ball, have the same amount of shots as them.

“It’s not been like that in recent years, so it’s an improvement but still a long way to go.”

AMAD DIALLO PUTS MAN UNITED AHEAD IN THE 90TH MINUTE! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/Q3I684gEDz

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 15, 2024

Arsenal and Nottingham Forest ruthlessly exposed Manchester United’s defensive frailties this month. This inflicted painful Premier League defeats that have left the once-storied club languishing in an uncharacteristic 13th place.

“Obviously, we had back-to-back defeats in the Premier League. So to come here and to put a statement down is really important for our confidence and the belief of where we’re going and where Ruben’s going to take us,” said Maguire.

“I’m sure it’s going to be a positive journey.”

Manchester United’s triumph exposed Manchester City’s ongoing performance crisis. This further extends their winless streak to eight defeats in their last 11 matches across all competitions.

Rubén Amorim, the newly appointed manager, has already witnessed two of those losses since taking charge. This includes a notable period that included his remarkable 4-1 Champions League victory with Sporting Lisbon before his move to Manchester.

His transition to Man City has coincided with the team’s continued struggles. Also, it highlights the challenging period the club is currently experiencing.

“I think you can see we have a good structure, a good style of play, the way that he wants us to work,” Maguire said of the new manager’s impact.

“But, yeah, I think his demands, he’s tactically very good. He’s proven that he’s a winner.”

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SPORTS

Barcelona’s Dominant Victory: Raphinha Shines In 5-1 Win Over Mallorca

Published

2 weeks ago

December 3, 2024

Reporter

Raphinha Shines In 5-1 Win for Barcelona Mallorca | fab.ng

A second-half brace by Raphinha played a pivotal role in the Blaugrana’s success as Barcelona extended their lead at the top of LaLiga to four points.

They did this with a commanding 5-1 victory over Mallorca, breaking a three-match winless streak in the league.

After a surprising home defeat to Las Palmas, Barcelona needed a strong performance against an in-form Mallorca side. Determined from the outset, Hansi Flick’s team applied early pressure.

Their efforts paid off in the 12th minute when Ferran Torres capitalised on a defensive error, nudging the ball past Leo Roman to score his second goal of the season.

Buoyed by this early breakthrough, Barcelona continued to dominate. Torres nearly added a second, but Roman’s sharp reflexes kept the scoreline in check.

Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal missed a crucial opportunity, firing wide when well-positioned in the box.

Despite Barcelona’s dominance, Mallorca remained dangerous on the counterattack. Their persistence paid off just before halftime.

Pablo Maffeo unselfishly set up Vedat Muriqi, who tapped in from close range to level the score. This goal highlighted Mallorca’s resilience and set the stage for an intense second half.

Mallorca - Barcelona match stats

Raphinha Takes Charge in the Second Half

Barcelona resumed with renewed intensity after the break. Torres and Raphinha both came close to restoring the lead.

Their pressure finally yielded a penalty when Johan Mojica fouled Yamal in the area. Raphinha confidently converted the spot-kick, notching his 15th goal across all competitions.

The Brazilian forward continued to lead Barcelona’s attack. In the 60th minute, Yamal delivered a stunning trivela cross, which Raphinha expertly finished, extending Barcelona’s lead to 3-1.

This goal underlined their attacking prowess and tactical cohesion.

With momentum firmly on their side, Barcelona sealed the win with two late goals. Frenkie de Jong capitalised on a loose ball to score, demonstrating perfect positioning.

Minutes later, he assisted Pau Victor, who easily slotted home, making it 5-1. These late strikes not only secured the win but also extended Barcelona’s unbeaten streak against Mallorca to 17 matches (15 wins, 2 draws).

This dominant performance reaffirms Barcelona’s title credentials. Their blend of youthful energy and experienced leadership, highlighted by Raphinha’s brilliance, sends a clear message to their LaLiga rivals.

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