Club distances itself from Warnock’s Brexit outburst

CARDIFF City yesterday released a statement distancing themselves from Neil Warnock’s views on Brexit, which sparked controversy on the weekend.

Warnock, following the Bluebirds’ 0-0 draw with Huddersfield, was asked whether the process of leaving the European Union could affect transfers.

He responded: “I think once the country knows what they’re doing, it will be straightforward [to make signings]... Any transfer window is difficult for me, not just this one.

“I don’t know why politicians don’t do what the country wants, if I’m honest.

“They had a referendum and now we see different politicians and everyone else trying to put their foot in it... Why did we have a referendum in the first bloody place? I can’t wait to get out of it, if I’m honest. I think we’ll be far better out of the bloody thing.

“In every aspect. Football-wise as well, absolutely. To hell with the rest of the world.”

The comments drew a despairing response from Match of the Day pundit and prominent pro-Remain campaigner Gary Lineker, who tweeted a “facepalm” emoji in response.

The Bluebirds yesterday said the comments were Warnock’s personal political views, as the club appeared keen to disassociate itself from opinions which disappointed some Cardiff fans.

The Welsh capital voted 60% in favour of Remain in the 2016 EU referendum.

A club spokesperson said: “Comments made by our manager following Saturday’s fixture are representative of his personal political stance.

“These comments do not reflect the political position of Cardiff City Football Club, nor its Board of Directors.”

Warnock later told The Times: “I don’t mind at all if the club want to make sure it’s clear that it is my own personal opinion and not the club’s policy. If they feel they want to put out a statement saying that, then that’s fine by me, and I stand by what I have said too.”