Pep Guardiola issues statement over controversial 'self-harm' joke after Man City draw
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has addressed his comments about self-harm following Tuesday’s draw with Feyenoord in the Champions League.
Guardiola addressed the media after the 3-3 draw, in which City had led 3-0, with a cut on his nose as well as some scratches across the top of his bald head.
Asked by a reporter about the cut, Guardiola explained: "Yeah, my finger, my nail”. He then performed a downward motion to show how he sustained the injury, before adding with a smile: "I want to harm myself."
Around 12 hours later, Guardiola has moved to clarify his remarks.
"I was caught off guard with a question at the end of a press conference last night about a scratch which had appeared on my face and explained that a sharp fingernail had accidentally caused this,” a statement posted on his X profile read.
"My answer was in no way intended to make light of the very serious issue of self-harm.
"I know that many people struggle with mental health issues every day, and I would like to take this moment to highlight one of the ways in people can seek help, by calling the Samaritans hotline on 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org."