'People are dying, you have to help': Guardiola decries wars in Sudan, Ukraine and Palestine | The Guardian |

Pep Guardiola has spoken out against killings across the world, including in Sudan, where a paramilitary group backed by the United Arab Emirates, which in effect owns Manchester City, is embroiled in a civil war that has cost more than 150,000 lives.

Guardiola named Sudan when talking about conflicts where innocent people were dying. War crimes are said to have been carried out by both sides in the conflict. The vice‑president of the UAE, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, owns City, where Guardiola is the manager.

"Never in the history of humanity have we had the info in front of our eyes more clearly than now," ­Guardiola said. "The genocide in Palestine, what happened in Ukraine, what happened all around the world - in Sudan, everywhere. What happened in front of us? Do you want to see it? It's our problem as human beings ."

The Rapid Support Forces in Sudan have been backed by the UAE, a position the Gulf state denies despite evidence compiled by the UN, independent experts and reporters. The RSF has carried out mass killings in the Sudanese city El Fasher.

[...]

Last Thursday Guardiola spoke at a charity event in Barcelona about the need to protect children in Palestine, prompting questions before City's Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle on Wednesday about why he was vocal on humanitarian issues.

"It is about a better place for humanity," he said. "The people who run away from their countries, go in the sea and then go on a boat to get rescued: don't ask if he is right or wrong, rescue him. It is about a human being. After, we can agree, criticise. But people dying, you have to help them.

"Protecting the human being is the only thing we have. Right now, we kill each other, for what? When I see the images, I am sorry, it hurts. It hurts me.

That is why in every position I can help speaking up to be a better society, I will try and be there. It is for my kids, my families, for you. For all of you and your families as well and the kids.

Response from the Jewish community leaders in Manchester ... [as expected unfortunately]

'Focus on football': Guardiola criticised by Manchester Jewish group over Palestine comments | The Guardian |

Pep Guardiola has been advised to "focus on football" by the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region, who fear such comments fuel antisemitic acts. The group also accused him of a "total failure" to display solidarity with Manchester's Jewish community in the wake of the attack on the Heaton Park Synagogue last October, in which two people were killed.

"We have repeatedly asked for prominent individuals to be mindful about the words they use given how Jewish people have had to endure attacks across the globe," a statement posted on X read. "Pep Guardiola is a football manager. While his humanitarian reflections may be well intentioned, he should focus on football."