Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has insisted that he is prepared to face a suspension over his support of imprisoned Catalan politicians.
Guardiola has worn a yellow ribbon on his jacket for the past month to show his support for Catalonians during the ongoing battle for independence from Spain, which has resulted in two politicians being arrested.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho claimed in the build-up to this afternoon's derby at Old Trafford that he would be banned if he made a similar political statement, but Guardiola is willing to accept any sanctions that may come his way.
"I do that because in Spain for two specific people who defend something like the vote, something the people in command do not agree [with], are in prison. It's unfair," he told reporters.
"To make a rebellion on something like that, you have to be something tough to be in prison. And they are still there. So, until they are not out, always here (points to ribbon) will be shared with me.
"Because, OK, they can suspend me for doing that, but the other people are in jail. If they want to suspend me - UEFA, Premier League, FIFA - it's OK."
Guardiola's protest has not breached any football regulations, with UEFA having changed its rules for this season to only ban offensive messages from being displayed.
Barney Corkhill
