7M - Guardiola Criticized by Jewish Community Over Palestine Remarks

Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has received criticism from the Jewish community in Manchester for his recent comments regarding Israel's actions in Gaza. Representatives from the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester urged him to be "more careful with his future language" after his speech supporting Palestinian children at a charity event in Barcelona.

During a press conference, Guardiola expressed how the suffering of innocent people in conflicts, including in the Middle East, "hurts" him, prompting him to speak out. However, the council advised him to "focus on football," expressing concerns that his words could incite antisemitic acts. They also accused him of failing to show solidarity with the Jewish community following the attack on the Heaton Park Synagogue last October, where two individuals lost their lives.

In a statement shared on X, the council remarked, "Prominent individuals must be mindful of their language, especially given the attacks experienced by Jewish people worldwide. Guardiola is a football manager, and while his humanitarian intentions may be noble, he should concentrate on football."

They expressed disappointment in Guardiola's repeated political comments, noting this was the second instance in a week he publicly shared his views on the Middle East conflict. "It is especially troubling given his failure to express solidarity with the Jewish community impacted by a terrorist attack near the Etihad Stadium or with the Barcelona community facing antisemitic violence."

Guardiola responded by stating, "Never in history have we witnessed such clear information about genocide in Palestine and other global conflicts. It hurts me to see innocent people suffer, regardless of nationality."

He emphasized that he feels a responsibility to speak out against violence and injustice, insisting, "If thousands of innocent people are harmed, it hurts me. When you have an idea that requires you to kill thousands, I will always stand up and speak out."