Pep Guardiola has apologised for an anti-Liverpool chant during Manchester City’s title celebrations.
City players and staff were filmed singing an alternative version of the Reds’ ‘Allez, Allez, Allez’ chant after reclaiming the Premier League last Sunday.
The song referred to fans of the Anfield clubs ‘crying in the stands’ and being ‘battered on the streets’ after last season’s Champions League final defeat.
Etihad Stadium officials disputed claims that the illicit chant referred to Liverpool fan Sean Cox, who was attacked by Roma fans, or the Hillsborough disaster.
But Guardiola used his pre-match press conference for Saturday’s FA Cup final with Watford to clarify the situation and insisted that no malice was intended.
He said: “It was not what people say.
“Do you think for one second someone could imagine we would give offence about Hillsborough or the guy who was hurt against Rome?
“It’s incredible to think anyone could believe that.
“Those were tragedies for the Liverpool people. We were happy for ourselves, but if someone was offended for another issue, I’m sorry.
“I apologise. It was never our intention. We celebrated because we win the Premier League against an incredible contender.”