Guardiola: I didn't mean to make light of self-harming

MANCHESTER City manager Pep Guardiola insisted yesterday he did not mean to make light of self-harm issues after a "flippant" comment about his facial injuries.

- Jan Disley

He was quizzed about what appeared to be a gash on the top of his nose and scratches on his head in a post-match press conference on Tuesday night.

Guardiola prompted a backlash after he replied: "Yes, I cut myself with my fingernail." He added: "I want to harm myself," then smiled and laughed briefly at reporters before leaving the room.

His remarks were later slammed as "deplorable" and "disgusting" on social media.

Apologise

And Jenny Groves, CEO of national charity Battle Scars, said: "Pep Guardiola made a flippant remark, probably without thinking.