Fans spot Pep Guardiola snub former manager during Community Shield medal ceremony

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola appeared to snub former Crystal Palace manager Alan Smith before collecting his Community Shield runners-up medal on Sunday.

The reigning Premier League champions were on the verge of winning another piece of silverware when academy product Cole Palmer put them ahead with a wonderful strike in the 77th minute.

But an injury-time goal from Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard sent the game to penalties.

Pep Guardiola's side, who lost just five league games last season, would fall to a 4-1 defeat in the shootout after the usually-reliable Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri missed their spot-kicks.

Soon, a frustrated Guardiola made his way up the Wembley stairs to collect his runners-up medal but before doing so, plenty of fans noticed an unusual moment during the ceremony.

As you can see from the footage below, the Spaniard appears to ignore former Crystal Palace and Wycombe Wanderers manager Alan Smith after shaking hands with several senior officials.

In fact, some have even accused Guardiola of blatantly ignoring Smith, who looked on in bemusement as the City boss obstructed some of his players to stop them from shaking hands with the 76-year-old.

Pep would soon shake hands with senior officials as Smith continued to look confused by the unfolding events.

It is unclear why Guardiola snubbed the former Palace manager but he has since replied to a fan on Twitter who asked: "Any idea what was up with Pep, sir? Seemed like he was rather intentionally avoiding shaking your hand."

Smith replied: "Mmmmmm not sure…..not rushing was he……..but he [was] not happy……think he thought I was Arsenal??? [laughing face emoji].

Can someone explain this snub to me? Who is this man that Pep avoids and helps two players avoid as well? pic.twitter.com/pjiDCiX3gQ

— Steven Cooper (@lecoopsta) August 6, 2023

After the full-time whistle, Guardiola was quick to criticise the new injury-time rules after Leandro Trossard equalised in the 111th minute.

"It's a question for big brain guys who decide these things," said the Manchester City manager. "It's a lot of games and every time you add eight or 10 minutes it's a… but listen, they never consult our opinions, the people in world football, managers or players.

"Now, every game we're going to play for 100 minutes. Wasting time, from my point of view, it is not going to be solved by extending 10 more minutes," he said.

"It's more tiring for the players. It's too much."

Referees will now be obliged to time interruptions before restarts after a goal, a substitution, injury, or set-piece, with those in charge wanting to clamp down on time-wasting.

Last season, Opta found the ball was in play in the Premier League for an average of just 54 minutes and 49 seconds.