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Pep Guardiola issues statement over controversial 'self-harm' joke after Man City draw

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.

Pep Guardiola after the game (TNT Sports)
Pep Guardiola after the game (TNT Sports)

"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."