RAGING Pep Guardiola had fans in stitches after a bizarre row with the referee.
The furious Manchester City boss was booked after the full-time whistle as he protested with the official – and then he HUGGED him in a sudden mood swing.
Guardiola let rip at Daniele Orsato as the ref made his way off the Etihad pitch following City’s 2-1 comeback win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
The Spaniard appeared angry at Orsato for booking substitute Phil Foden deep into injury time after he clashed with Thomas Meunier.
Both Guardiola and Foden remonstrated with the official.
But Pep’s angry gesticulating and barking overstepped the mark.
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Orsato was not afraid to brandish another yellow card – this time for the manager.
And Guardiola responded by immediately recognising his error and throwing his arms around the Italian in a touching embrace before tapping him on the back.
Pep then started walking away but then turned back and continued the conversation as Orstato explained his decisions.
Guardiola confessed to the media his outburst was wrong and his yellow card was justified.
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He also confirmed he had said sorry to the referee.
But fans on Twitter could barely believe what they had seen.
One said: “Pep Guardiola hugging the referee while getting a yellow card after a win is one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen.”
Another wrote: “Pep making sure he doesn’t get a red after full-time by hugging the referee, the levels keep rising.”
And a third added: “This Pep referee discussion is jokes. Arguing, tells him to p*** off then gives him a hug. Then goes back to arguing.”
It looked like it was going to be a miserable night for Guardiola and City after Jude Bellingham headed in the opener.
But John Stones’ thunderbolt and Erling Haaland’s simply ridiculous acrobatic finish completed the turnaround and maintained the Premier League champions’ perfect start on their quest for European glory.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
