Guardiola defends Bernardo Silva over Benjamin Mendy tweet

Pep Guardiola has defended Bernardo Silva after the Portuguese midfielder was criticised for posting a picture of Benjamin Mendy alongside the character on the packet of Conguitos - a sweet brand available in Spain and Portugal.

Kick It Out, an organisation dedicated to fighting racism in football, condemned Silva for his tweet and the player has since deleted it.

"If something happens, it will be a mistake," Guardiola said on the matter.

"Bernardo is an exceptional person. He speaks four or five languages and that is the best way to understand how open-minded he is.

"One of his best friends is Mendy. He's like a brother to him.

"The image is not about the colour of the skin. He took a picture of Benjamin when he was younger and he related it to this cartoon, which was quite similar to the image.

"If they [the English Football Association) want to do that [investigate the matter] and ask Bernardo, I think he'll be open to talking."

Guardiola was talking after Manchester City's 3-0 win over Preston North End in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.