Manchester City slips up against promoted side Sunderland. After the final whistle, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma loses his cool and starts a scuffle.
The frustration at Manchester City over the significant setback in the Premier League title race runs deep. Immediately after the 0-0 draw against AFC Sunderland, a scuffle broke out involving City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The visitors’ goalkeeper stormed towards substitute Sunderland professional Luke O’Nien and spoke loudly to him. Previously, the Englishman had prevented a quick throw-in by coach Pep Guardiola’s team just moments before the final whistle.
After the final whistle, Gianluigi Donnarumma (r.) was hard to stop
A brief but heated verbal exchange developed between Donnarumma and O’Nien. Several players from both teams rushed over, and Bernardo Silva pulled the Italian goalkeeper aside.
Scuffle after the final whistle: Guardiola and Xhaka intervene
Guardiola was also on the scene and spoke with O’Nien. He received support as a peacemaker from Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka. Once the situation had calmed down, the City coach and the former Leverkusen player hugged warmly.
Meanwhile, AFC Sunderland fans chanted against Donnarumma. “Who are you?! Who are you?! Who are you?!” echoed from the stands at the Stadium of Light.
Later, Guardiola commented on the scenes after the final whistle. According to English media, the Catalan said: “That’s how it is in football. Sometimes it just happens. Nothing important.”
Despite great superiority, City could not get past a goalless draw against the promoted side. The gap to league leaders FC Arsenal thus grew to four points.