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

The manager joked about wanting to “harm” himself after cutting his nose with his fingernail

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

"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."