New signing Benjamin Mendy caused outrage last weekend after he poked fun at Brighton’s Lewis Dunk for his own goal against City at the Amex.
The French international was criticised by the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard when the duo accused him of showing a lack of class.
Asked what he made of the tweet, the former Liverpool midfielder admitted he was not amused.
“I don’t like to see that there’s no need for it,” said Gerrard, who was working alongside Frank Lampard as a pundit for BT.
“There’s going to be a time in the season when Mendy makes a mistake and he will be wide open for criticism himself.
“They’ve won the game today with a lot of positives where City are concerned. For me, it’s a cheap shot.
When BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey suggested it was a bit of ‘light-hearted fun’ Frank Lampard interjected to agree with his former England team mate.
“I have to agree with Stevie there. Why don’t you just take a few seconds to think ‘is that the right thing to send?'” said Lampard.
“Steven’s exactly right, he’s got to play this season and he might get done and then someone might want to tweet about him.”
His manager, Pep Guardiola has now spoken out and told his new £52 million signing to show more respect to fellow professionals.
Bullet header 😭😂😭
— Benjamin Mendy (@benmendy23) August 12, 2017
Guardiola insisted that Mendy is a good person and he does what he does in the right spirit but he also added that the world’s most expensive defender needs to be more careful.
Mendy later released his mistake and issued an apology. But that was not before he was crticised for his actions.
(Sorry to the few people who got offended…. was just banter nothing personal👍) enjoy your night everyone 🔵 #CmonCity
— Benjamin Mendy (@benmendy23) August 12, 2017
“I think the guys in the squad, they are so so good. Good people and nice people. The Spanish boss said.
“I don’t know what happened. I don’t know what he said.
“But of course the private life is the private life. He has to respect the social media in what is happening with the club and the opponent.”
Guardiola also refused to speak about the club’s shock bid to sign West Bromwich Albion captain Jonny Evans.
The Baggies boss Tony Pulis is determined to keep the Northern Irish defender but has admitted that every player has his price, with City expected to return with an improved second bid.
It remains to be seen if Guardiola gets his man, but whatever happens, he reckons he now has a squad capable of challenging for the title this season.
City host Everton on Monday night and Guardiola added: “He’s a player for West Brom. It’s still the same. Tony Pulis was clear, so there’s nothing to talk about.
“We are going to see how the market finishes at the end of the window. If we have to stay with the players we have right now we are happy.
“Like last season, every season I start I always believe my players are the best.
“We talk with the club, with the sporting director, and with all the players. Everyone has his own opinions and after that, we decide what is best to make our club stronger.”
