Pep Guardiola vegetation kiss on cheek of fourth official after telling off

Pep Guardiola lightened the temper on the touchline throughout Manchester Metropolis’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal on the Emirates Stadium, sharing an uncommon second with fourth official Craig Pawson.

Metropolis had taken an early lead by Erling Haaland’s ninth-minute strike and appeared on target for victory earlier than the Gunners struck again late on.

Within the closing levels, Guardiola discovered himself in a energetic trade with Pawson on the sidelines.

As a substitute of letting the telling-off get to him, the Metropolis boss instantly leaned in and planted a kiss on Pawson’s cheek. The official stepped again, momentarily startled however with a smile, earlier than resuming his duties, whereas Guardiola chuckled together with his fingers on his hips – each clearly seeing the humorous facet.

Guardiola’s grin didn’t final lengthy, nevertheless. Moments later, after Pawson signalled seven minutes of harm time, Metropolis conceded deep into stoppage time. Gabriel Martinelli rescued a degree for Arsenal, beautifully chipping Gianluigi Donnarumma to cancel out Haaland’s opener.

The end result means Arsenal stay unbeaten of their final 5 Premier League conferences with Metropolis.

Chatting with Sky Sports activities after the sport, Guardiola praised his facet’s resilience.

“In the present day we performed in opposition to a robust staff,” he stated. “Hats off to our staff for the resilience. It is so tough whenever you’re not efficient with excessive urgent, it is all the time powerful within the build-up. We made some transitions. I believe the result’s honest. Usually, Arsenal had been higher.”

No point out of the kiss, although. Poor Craig Pawson.

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