Football supporters took to social media to mock Pep Guardiola’s sideline attire during Manchester City’s Champions League exit against Real Madrid, with many joking for a “116th charge” to be levied against the club.
The Spanish tactician opted for smart trousers and shoes combined with a casual flannel shirt – a notable departure from the sleek black bomber jacket he sported in the first leg.
One fan quipped: “116 now.”
Another wrote: “I knew they weren’t serious when I seen Pep was wearing a flannel shirt.”
A third declared: “Pep’s overshirt just a complete disgrace, isn’t it.”
Not everyone disapproved, however, with one supporter commenting: “Knock a charge off. It’s lovely.”
The 2023 Champions League winners suffered a 2-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium, having already lost 3-0 in Spain the previous week, resulting in a comprehensive 5-1 aggregate elimination.
Vinicius Jr scored twice as Real Madrid beat Man City | GETTY
Any hopes of mounting an improbable comeback were extinguished in the 20th minute when Bernardo Silva received his marching orders for a deliberate handball on the goal line.
Vinicius Jr stepped up to convert the subsequent spot-kick, extending Real’s overall advantage to four goals.
Erling Haaland managed to pull one back before the interval, reducing the deficit to three on aggregate.
Football clubs with the most Champions League titles | GETTY
Thibaut Courtois produced several crucial saves to deny City throughout the contest, before Vinicius sealed his brace deep into added time.
City were hit with 130 alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play regulations by the Premier League in February 2024.
The case became widely known as the “115 charges” due to the number of bullet points contained within the original documentation.
More than two years have now passed since the charges were brought forward, yet a final verdict remains outstanding.
LaLiga president Javier Tebas has suggested that the prolonged proceedings have caused damage to the Premier League’s reputation.
The ongoing case has become a running joke among rival supporters, who frequently reference the charges when discussing any perceived City transgression – including, it seems, their manager’s fashion choices.
Pep Guardiola cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as Real Madrid ended Man City’s Champions League dream | PA
Speaking to Amazon Prime after the match, Guardiola – still clad in the controversial shirt – expressed his frustration at the dismissal that left his side a man short.
“It’s difficult once you are 4-0 down and playing 10 men against 11. But we did everything,” he said.
The City boss remained defiant about his squad’s quality, stating: “We have an extraordinary team and an extraordinary group of players. The future is bright.”
He acknowledged also acknowledged the outstanding performance of Courtois, noting: “In the end, Courtois was the best player on the pitch, so that means how good we were.”
City won’t have too long to reflect on the defeat.
