England's Football Association (FA) has charged Pep Guardiola for wearing a yellow ribbon loop, a symbol of support for the Catalan political prisoners. The charge is based on an alleged "breach of The FA’s kit and advertising regulations", believing the symbol to be a "political message".
Manchester City's coach has until 6pm on Monday 5th March to respond to the charge. Guardiola, who had expressed support for last year's independence referendum, has become one of the most powerful voices denouncing the political situation in Catalonia.
Guardiola, preparing for his first final with Manchester City, in the Carabao League Cup against Arsenal at Wembley, has previously commented on the possibility of being punished for wearing the yellow ribbon. "If UEFA, FIFA or the Premier League want to charge me for wearing the ribbon, go ahead. But they, especially the 'Jordis', are in prison. They were only asking to vote, don't forget. I wear it especially for two people who were defending something like voting. To be in prison you have to do something serious. And as long as they're there they will have all my support. They've already spent more than 60 days in prison", he said on 10th December last year.
Manchester City
The manager decided to start wearing the symbol as the first consequences of the independence referendum, on 1st October last year, became clear. In a match against West Bromwich Albion, Guardiola gave one of the images of the season, later repeated beyond the Premier League in the FA Cup and the Champions League.
The Catalan coach's gesture meant the issue of the political prisoners gained greater international attention. Some figures in English football, like José Mourinho, publicly questioned whether Guardiola was able to lead City whilst wearing a "political message", both on the bench and in the press room.
The great unknown factor is what he will decide to do this Sunday, following this charge. He has said before that he will continue wearing the ribbon until the prisoners are released. Kick-off between City and Arsenal at Wembley is at 5:30pm.