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Pep Guardiola sends stark warning to Man City fans ahead of Manchester derby and Sir Bobby Charlton tributes

Etihad chief demands his club's supporters show appreciation for the late legend

PEP GUARDIOLA will not accept any Manchester City fan insulting Sir Bobby Charlton, vowing: “They do not represent us.”

City banned two supporters — both minors — who were filmed mocking the death of England 1966 World Cup winner Charlton last weekend.

Pep Guardiola has told Man City supporters they should respect 'iconic figures' like the late Sir Bobby Charlton
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Pep Guardiola has told Man City supporters they should respect 'iconic figures' like the late Sir Bobby CharltonCredit: Instagram @mancity
Old Trafford has paid tribute to Sir Bobby and is now preparing to do the same again at Sunday's derby against champions City
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Old Trafford has paid tribute to Sir Bobby and is now preparing to do the same again at Sunday's derby against champions CityCredit: Getty
Sir Bobby has been hailed as the greatest ever English footballer
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Sir Bobby has been hailed as the greatest ever English footballerCredit: Getty
Fans have covered Old Trafford with floral tributes
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Fans have covered Old Trafford with floral tributesCredit: Getty

The legend’s former club Manchester United will hold a minute’s applause ahead of Sunday's emotionally-charged Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

And City have warned any fans who  misbehave will be banned and reported to police.

Guardiola said: “They don’t represent us.

“Alcohol makes bad things in people.

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“We have a lot of respect for United, especially the iconic figures like Sir Bobby Charlton.

“We will be part of the condolences for the family, Manchester United and English football.”

Security officials trawled through CCTV footage to identify the young fans who sang  sick chants on the Etihad concourse — after Charlton’s death, aged 86, was announced.

But Guardiola preferred to focus on  the loss felt by City ambassador and legend Mike Summerbee — who played alongside Charlton for England.

He added: “What represents us is Mike Summerbee going to Old Trafford to sign the book on behalf of Man City.”

Guardiola also added his tribute, writing: “Thanks for Bobby Charlton to make our football the best place to live. Never ever will you be forgotten.”

City fans observed an impeccable silence at the 2008 Old Trafford derby marking 50 years since the Munich air disaster.

And Guardiola sees no reason why tomorrow’s tributes should not be similarly appropriate.

The Spaniard said: “This is definitely going to  happen. It’s a good rivalry and each club respects the other.

“It’s my eighth season here and no big issues happened. We won games, we lost games.”

Outside Old Trafford became a sea of scarfs and flowers
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Outside Old Trafford became a sea of scarfs and flowersCredit: Rex
Fans have joined in the tributes to the Man Utd and England legend
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Fans have joined in the tributes to the Man Utd and England legendCredit: Rex
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