Pep political statement puzzles Jose

JOSE Mourinho ramped up tomorrow’s Manchester derby tensions last night by questioning whether he would be allowed to make a political statement in the same manner as rival Pep Guardiola after the Manchester City manager’s show of support for prisoners in Catalonia.

Former Barcelona manager, and native of Catalonia, Guardiola has begun to wear a yellow ribbon (below ) in recent months, the symbol used by Catalonia’s independence movement to call for the release from jail of members of the region’s government.

When asked whether he would ever make a similar political gesture, United boss Mourinho said: “I think I wouldn’t be allowed to, that’s just what I think. I’ve known Pep for many years, I know what Pep feels about his country. If the rules allow us to do that, he is a free citizen to do it. But I am not sure if the rules allow any political message on the pitch. That’s just my doubt. But I know Pep and I know his feelings like everyone else.”

According to the Premier League’s rulebook and in line with Fifa’s Laws of the Game, players are forbidden from revealing “political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images or advertising”.

There is not, however, any rule regarding whether managers can wear clothing or an accessory which carries the intention of making a political statement.

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