‘They don’t deserve it’: Guardiola speaks out against jailing of Catalan leaders

Football coach describes current situation as “frightening” because “it can happen to anyone”

 

Manchester City's Manager, Catalan Pep Guardiola wearing a T-shirt reading 'Catalans want to vote' (by ACN)
Manchester City's Manager, Catalan Pep Guardiola wearing a T-shirt reading 'Catalans want to vote' (by ACN) / ACN

ACN | Barcelona

February 13, 2018 11:32 AM

Football coach Pep Guardiola has spoken out against the imprisonment of Catalan ministers, Oriol Junqueras and Joaquim Forn, as well as against the incarceration of pro-independence grassroots leaders, Jordi Sànchez and Jordi Cuixart. “There is so little humanity, they do not deserve it,” said Guardiola referring to the jailed Catalan leaders, who have now been behind bars for more than 100 days.

In an interview with the Catalan public broadcaster TV3, the Manchester City coach also described the current situation in Catalonia as “frightening,” as what is happening to Catalan leaders “can happen to anyone.” In addition, he called for their release, and hoped they soon regain their freedom. “Hopefully they will be released soon so they can be with their families,” he said.