Manchester Jewish community leaders criticise Guardiola

""We have repeatedly asked for prominent individuals to be mindful about the words they use given how Jewish people have had to endure attacks across the globe," a statement posted on X read. "Pep Guardiola is a football manager. Whilst his humanitarian reflections may be well-intentioned, he should focus on football. "Manchester City is being let down by him repeatedly straying into commentary on international affairs.""

""It's especially galling given his total failure to use his significant platform to display any solidarity with the Jewish community subjected to a terrorist attack a few miles from the Etihad Stadium or the Barcelona community reeling from anti-Semitic violence close to where he once engaged in remarks we believe to be provocative. "We implore Mr Guardiola to be more careful in his future language given the significant risk faced by our community.""

""The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region has "implored" Guardiola to be "more careful with his language" at a time when anti-Semitism is rising. The group issued a statement after the Manchester City manager said he wanted to use his position to "speak up", and talked about the "hurt" he feels for victims of global conflict. Guardiola also gave a speech in support of Palestinian children at a charity event in his home city, Barcelona, last week.""

The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region criticized Pep Guardiola for repeatedly commenting on international affairs and asked him to be more careful with his language amid rising anti‑Semitism. The council said Guardiola should focus on football and that Manchester City is being let down by his remarks. The statement referenced the October attack on Heaton Park Synagogue and accused Guardiola of failing to show solidarity with local Jewish victims or communities in Barcelona. Guardiola spoke about victims of global conflict and supported Palestinian children at a Barcelona charity event. Manchester City declined to comment.

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