Jose Mourinho questions whether Pep Guardiola should be allowed to wear yellow ribbon supporting jailed Catalan politicians ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby

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Jose Mourinho has questioned whether his old rival Pep Guardiola should be allowed to wear a yellow ribbon on the touchline in support of the Catalan politicians jailed last month over the region’s fight for independence.

It comes ahead of Mourinho's Manchester United taking on Guardiola's City in a top of the table Premier League clash on Sunday.

Mourinho suggested the overtly political symbol, supporting those fighting for independence for Catalonia, should not be allowed, and even suggested it would be more controversial if he wore the ribbon, rather than his rival.

Jose Mourinho questioned whether Pep Guardiola should be allowed to wear a yellow ribbon

‘I’ve known Pep for many years,’ he said. ‘I think I know what Pep feels about his country. To have it in football, I don’t know the rules.

‘If the rules allow us to do that, he is a free citizen to do it, but I am not sure if the rules allow any political message on the pitch. That’s just my doubt. I think I wouldn’t be allowed to, that’s just what I think.’

UEFA have actually changed their rules this season, meaning that only offensive messages are forbidden – a stance shared by the FA. 

Mourinho suggested the symbol, supporting Catalan independence, should not be allowed