Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has been charged by UEFA for an incident of non-sporting nature.
In all its wisdom, European football’s governing body has elected to take issue with Guardiola for wearing a t-shirt which promoted a campaign for justice surrounding the death of an Argentine journalist during his pre-match press conference prior to the second leg of Bayern Munich’s Champions League match against Porto.
During the press conference, Guardiola wore a t-shirt which had the words “Justicia para Topo” written on it.
It relates to a campaign calling for an investigation into the death of journalist Topo Lopez in a car accident at last summer’s World Cup in Brazil.
His car was reportedly smashed into by a vehicle driven by two suspected criminals, being pursued by the police.
Lopez’s family believes that the investigation into the incident – which took place on the eve of Argentina’s semi-final against Netherlands in Sao Paulo – has been sluggish.
Despite the nobility of Guardiola’s gesture, UEFA has charged the coach with an incident of non-sporting nature and he will likely be fined for wearing the t-shirt during his press conference.
UEFA regulations prohibit the use of “sporting events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature”.
The case will be dealt with by UEFA’s disciplinary body on May 21.
