I encourage City to celebrate - Guardiola defends players after Old Trafford controversy

Manchester City's derby celebrations were "correct" according to Pep Guardiola, who made no comment on the reported post-match clash.

Published : Jan 28, 2018 12:02 IST

Manchester City celebrate at Old Trafford
Manchester City celebrate at Old Trafford
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Manchester City celebrate at Old Trafford

Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City's celebrations at Old Trafford were "correct" and refused to be drawn on Sunday's post-match fracas.

City set a new Premier League record of 14 consecutive wins in the same season and moved 11 points clear of Manchester United at the summit as goals from David Silva and Nicolas Otamendi secured a 2-1 derby victory.

But an alleged incident involving players and officials from both sides has subsequently dominated the headlines, with the Football Association giving each club until Wednesday to provide their observations.

Mourinho was widely reported to have sparked the flashpoint by heading to the away dressing room to confront City's players over celebrations he felt were over the top. In the subsequent confrontation, City assistant coach Mikel Arteta is understood to have suffered a cut face.

Following a terse build-up to the match, where Mourinho accused City's players of diving and repeated tactical fouling, a return to the hostilities that defined the relationship between Guardiola and his counterpart during their respective tenures in charge of Barcelona and Real Madrid seems increasingly likely.

But Guardiola opted against returning fire at a news conference to preview the midweek trip to Swansea City, maintaining the matter should be left to the FA and that his jubilant players were absolutely not in the wrong.

"After the game, the players shook hands between them, no problems at all and some players went to celebrate with the fans like normal," he said.

"Afterwards we went to the locker room. I encourage the players to celebrate victories but with respect for our opponents, not just Manchester United.

"We did it many times at home this season. We celebrated in Napoli when we qualified for the next round of the Champions League. I am the guy who encourages them to celebrate with each other.

"Afterwards what happened, happened. We are going to make the statement to the FA and they are going to decide."

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