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Publication Date: Saturday, October 17, 2020 11:59 AM
Pep Guardiola has defended striker Sergio Agüero after being criticized for putting his arm on the shoulder of assistant referee Sian Massey-Ellis.
Agüero, in his first appearance since June after a knee injury, played a throw-in that went against him early in the second half of Manchester City 1-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday.
After discussing her case with Massey-Ellis, Agüero put his arm around her shoulder as she began to walk away, actions that garnered attention on social media and prompted his former teammate Micah Richards to say on Sky Sports that Agüero should “know better”.
Under rules introduced in 2016, players can be cautioned or sent off for touching match officials, depending on the nature of the incident, but Agüero’s actions went unpunished.
This is rude, unprofessional, and unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/N0iGzr73fS
– Emily Anderson (@EmCAnderson) October 17, 2020
At his post-match press conference, Guardiola said: “Come on guys. Sergio is the nicest person I have ever met in my life.
“Look for trouble in other situations, not this one.”
Aguero, who played a key role in setting up Raheem Sterling’s decisive goal in the 23rd minute, was replaced after 65 minutes of his return appearance.
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