Wayne Rooney has expressed his anger at Manchester City's decision to hold a guard of honour for Bernardo Silva and John Stones during the second half of their Premier League match against Aston Villa, stating he would have been "fuming" if he were a Villa player.
Guard of Honour Timing Sparks Controversy
City arranged for both sets of players to applaud Silva and Stones as they left the pitch, recognising their significant contributions to the club's trophy-laden era. However, the gesture occurred with over half an hour remaining in the match, which Villa eventually won 2-1.
Speaking on BBC's Match of the Day, Rooney said: "It's incredible. I've seen a few things this season, and it just makes me sad that some of these things are happening in football. Bernardo Silva and John Stones have been incredible for Manchester City and they deserve it, but do it after the game. If I was in that Aston Villa team, I'd be fuming."
Shearer Agrees with Rooney
Alan Shearer also criticised the timing, saying: "I was surprised that Villa agreed to doing it, particularly with so long left. I mean, with half an hour, just over half an hour to go with one of the substitutions, so yeah, I'm in Wayne's camp. I'm not a great fan of that while the game is going on."
The match marked Pep Guardiola's final game in charge after a successful 10-year tenure, during which City won multiple Premier League titles and the Champions League. Villa spoiled the farewell party, with Ollie Watkins scoring twice to secure victory for Unai Emery's side.
Guardiola, visibly emotional after the match, admitted he was "tired" and struggled to hide his feelings. He noted that the players' reaction to Silva and Stones' departure highlighted the deep bond within the squad.
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