Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke to Simon Hooper at full-time after the 2-2 draw with Brighton in the Premier League
Comments
Sport
Pep Guardiola complains to referee Simon Hooper after the Premier League match between Manchester City and Brighton
Pep Guardiola confronts referee Simon Hooper after the full time whistle between Manchester City and Brighton
Pep Guardiola contested Jeremy Doku's yellow card for diving with the referee at the end of Manchester City's game with Brighton. The Belgian winger was booked for simulation by official Simon Hooper in the second half as he slid to avoid a flying challenge from Jan Paul van Hecke.
It looked harsh given that had Doku not jumped to avoid contact he would have been clattered in what would surely have been a City free-kick and a potential card for the Brighton defender.
That was the point Guardiola wanted to make at full-time. Having spoken to fourth official Anthony Taylor about the incident at the time, he made a beeline for Hooper once the final whistle went and spoke his mind in the centre-circle in a conversation that wasn't heated but allowed the City boss to make his point about Doku.
Guardiola didn't want to turn the incident into a major talking point that changed the outcome of the game, although he felt it was important enough to tell the referee at the end of the 2-2 draw.
"If he doesn't jump, he can break his leg," he said. "To go on the grass is a tackle and he jumps so there is no contact.
"Jeremy is not a diving player. They should know it but it is what it is.
"We didn't win or lose for those decisions. I said to the referee that if he doesn't jump he can be kicked hard. He jumped to protect himself but it doesn't matter, don't ask me about that."