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Mitre hit back at Pep Guardiola and Yaya Toure after slating Carabao Cup match ball

Firm says 'ball is of exactly the same technical specification as the balls used in the Sky Bet EFL and Checkatrade Trophy'

geoff sweet

Published: 17:40, 25 Oct 2017
Updated: 17:42, 25 Oct 2017

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MITRE have responded to harsh critcisim from Pep Guardiola and Yaya Toure about their Carabao Cup match ball.

Guardiola insisted: "It is too light, it moves all over the place, it is not a good ball."

Pep Guardiola and Yaya Toure criticised the Mitre Carabao Cup ballCredit: Reuters

Toure labelled it "rubbish."

The Manchester City midfielder also claimed it was far worse than the much-criticised ball used at the 2010 World Cup.

But a Mitre spokesperson defender the company's product.

The global firm's representative said: "As a British football brand, we’re extremely proud of our long-standing history and partnership with EFL and the beautiful game at all levels.

Guardiola said the ball 'is too light' and Toure labelled it 'rubbish'Credit: -

Mitre have hit back and defended their productCredit: Rex Features

"As the EFL statement confirmed earlier today, the Mitre ball used in this season’s Carabao Cup is of exactly the same technical specification as the balls used in the Sky Bet EFL and Checkatrade Trophy...

"All of which are tested in accordance with the “FIFA Quality Programme for Footballs” and meet the “FIFA Quality Pro” standard.

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"All balls used in the professional game are required to meet this standard.

"We’re passionate about the game and obsessed about everything related to ball technology.

Guardiola also said the ball 'is not acceptable, the ball was unacceptable for a high-level competition'Credit: AFP or Licensors

Toure managed to fire home a sudden death penalty with the ball he labelled 'rubbish'Credit: Getty Images - Getty

"We work with professional players and clubs to develop and test our pro balls and independent testing by EMPA.

"We totally appreciate that all balls feel different and that’s why we made sure competing teams were sent balls well ahead of the tournament for training."

A squirrel runs onto the pitch at The Etihad ahead of Manchester City v Wolves

Manchester City beat Wolves on sudden death penalties in Tuesday night's showdown at the Etihad.

Toure managed to convert a spot kick despite his loathing of the ball.

He added: "It’s everything. Shooting - the ball is very light, when you touch it, it’s floating, it’s rubbish.

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"And in this weather it’s difficult."