Pep Guardiola called a ‘bald rat’ in brutal taunt following FA Cup final defeat

Guardiola was targeted with abuse while collecting his runners up medal (Picture: Getty)

Pep Guardiola was called a ‘bald rat’ by a fan at Wembley following Manchester City’s FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace.

City will finish the 2024-25 season without a trophy after defeat on Saturday afternoon with Eze Eberechi’s goal securing Palace’s first ever piece of major silverware.

A despondent Guardiola was recorded climbing the steps at Wembley to receive his runners up medal, greeting supporters on his way.

One supporter was then heard shouting ’20 times you bald rat’ at the City boss – who glowered back in response before walking on towards the Royal Box.

The comment appeared to be in reference to Liverpool winning their 20th league title this season, ending City’s run of four consecutive crowns.

After the final whistle, Guardiola angrily confronted Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, with the two exchanging words on the pitch.

Henderson was involved in a highly controversial incident in the first-half, handling the ball outside his box to divert it away from Erling Haaland who was racing through to latch onto Joso Gvardiol’s long ball over the top.

Wayne Rooney, Ian Wright and Joleon Lescott were among the pundits adamant it should have been a red card with Henderson avoiding any punishment.

The former Manchester United shot stopper went onto have a pivotal role in keeping City at bay, saving Omar Marmoush’s penalty kick and making a string of saves in the second-half.

Guardiola was reluctant to be drawn on the Henderson controversy, telling reporters: ‘Don’t ask me, ask the referee and the VAR.’

Guardiola also clashed with Henderson after the game (Picture: Reuters)

On his side’s own performance, Guardiola conceded City did not do enough.

‘We played really good. We did everything. Unfortunately, we could not score,’ he said.

‘The first chance that they had in the transition [they scored]. We didn’t concede much in the transition. We did everything but it’s about goals, and they scored one so congratulations Crystal Palace.

‘They didn’t create much. A team that was in top form, defended really well, really deep, like with (former manager) Roy Hodgson. They didn’t change much in those terms but it’s what it is.’

City have two games of their Premier League season left against Bournemouth and Fulham and are still fighting to secure Champions League qualification.