Guardiola returns to Etihad to show solidarity after Man City's 115 guilty verdicts

Pep Guardiola will return to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night to show public support for Manchester City in their Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain — his first appearance at the ground since an independent commission found the club guilty on 115 charges.

The Catalan, who left City in the summer after a decade in charge, had initially planned to stay in the background to give his successor Enzo Maresca the best possible start. But with the club’s guilty verdicts confirmed by a three-man panel last week, Guardiola has chosen to make a visible show of backing for his former employers.

He had previously said he would comment on a verdict “if he could be found”, but posted a message on social media the day after the news broke. “I want every single fan to know I am here; more than ever,” he wrote. “I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran [Soriano, CEO], the players, staff, Enzo [Maresca] and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all.”

Guardiola’s own legacy has come under scrutiny since the verdict was confirmed, given that the charges span a period that covers the majority of his time at the club. His decision to attend Wednesday’s game is a deliberate signal of solidarity rather than a quiet endorsement from a distance.

City have continued to insist on their innocence following the publication of a damning 40-page decision from the independent commission. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak issued an open letter to supporters, while CEO Ferran Soriano sent a video message to staff. The club confirmed last week that they will appeal the verdicts.

The PSG fixture is the first home game at the Etihad since the findings were made public, making Guardiola’s attendance all the more pointed as the club attempts to project unity during one of the most turbulent periods in its history.