Rayan Cherki (foto: Getty Images)
Rayan Cherki divides opinion after a provocative skill display in the Carabao Cup final, with Pep Guardiola and pundits reacting strongly to his actions.
Spremljajte Nogomanio kot prednostni vir na Googlu
Dodajte Nogomanio med priljubjene vire v Google News in
prejemajte najpomembnejše nogometne novice med prvimi.
Rayan Cherki delivered one of the most talked-about moments of the Carabao Cup final, but not for a goal or assist.
The Manchester City playmaker stunned viewers with a sequence of showboating that quickly turned into controversy during the second half against Arsenal.
With City already leading 2-0, Cherki controlled the ball on his chest and began juggling it repeatedly, while looking directly at nearby opponents instead of the ball.
The move triggered an immediate reaction. Ben White brought him down with a strong challenge and received a yellow card.
But the moment did not end there.
As he lay on the ground, Cherki appeared to pose for photographers before continuing to exaggerate the contact, adding another layer to an already provocative scene.
The incident split opinion, with some praising his confidence and flair, while others saw it as a lack of respect toward opponents.
Even Pep Guardiola looked unimpressed, with cameras catching the Manchester City manager shaking his head on the touchline.
Former Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew delivered a strong verdict.
"Cherki is naive. Juggling like that is an insult to professional football. If you are a professional, it is unacceptable."
He went further, comparing the move to other controversial acts in football and suggesting this one crossed the line.
"It’s even worse. Completely unnecessary. He had a great game and showed his quality, but this was too much."
Despite the criticism, Cherki continues to impress in his debut season with Manchester City, recording nine goals and ten assists in 41 appearances.
His talent is clear, but moments like this raise questions about where confidence ends and provocation begins.