FA accepts Pep Guardiola and Redmond’s version of events

It’s understood the FA accepts Catalan’s reasons and will not take the matter further

Pep Guardiola talks with Southampton’s English midfielder Nathan Redmond after their match at the Etihad Stadium. Photograph: Getty Images

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been reminded of his responsibilities by the Football Association following his animated post-match conversation with Southampton's Nathan Redmond.

The FA on Friday sought observations from Guardiola, giving him until Monday to respond.

It’s understood the FA accepts the Catalan’s version of events and will not take the matter further. Guardiola has been reminded of his responsibilities and the matter is now considered closed.

Guardiola Raheem Sterling’s stoppage-time winner earned City a 2-1 victory over Redmond’s Saints and afterwards Guardiola approached the forward.

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Pep Guardiola again wore a yellow ribbon in support of Catalan politicians who have been jailed for pushing for independence from Spain. Photograph: Reuters

It initially appeared Guardiola was confronting Redmond to complain about something, but he said afterwards he was complimenting the player. This was later corroborated by Redmond himself.

Guardiola on Friday conceded he should not have approached Redmond in such a way, although he could not contain his emotions in the exhilarating aftermath of Sterling’s late goal.

Asked if he regretted the incident, Guardiola said: “Yes. I did it in Munich, with my old player (Joshua) Kimmich, I did the same in Dortmund and had regret there after the game and the same now.

“I cannot control myself. Hopefully I will improve. What I said is what I said and what Nathan said in his statement.

“I admire him as a player and say thank you for his comments, but if the FA want my statement again I am able to explain whatever they want. If they don’t believe me I don’t know what we’re doing here.

“When I give you an opinion, I give you an opinion. You can agree or not, but if I’m explaining what happened and the people don’t believe me then let’s cancel our press conferences and just play the games. If they want to listen to me then I will do it. It’s not a problem.”