Pep Guardiola has defended Taylor Harwood-Bellis against accusations of taunting an opponent, insisting that he believes the Manchester City youngster’s version of events.
Kevin van Veen, the Scunthorpe United striker, claimed that Harwood-Bellis taunted him over how much money he makes during an EFL Trophy tie on Wednesday night.
Harwood-Bellis denies mocking Van Veen, who worked as a plasterer before moving to England and while playing as a semi-professional in his native Holland.
And Guardiola supports the 17-year-old, who is one of CIty’s most highly-rated youngsters and has made four first team appearances already this season.
“I know about that. Taylor said that is not true. I believe the guy, that’s all,” Guardiola said, when asked about the incident.
Van Veen scored twice in Scunthorpe’s 3-1 victory and later accused Harwood-Bellis of ‘cashing him up’ – i.e. boasting that he earns more money than him.
Van Veen said: “If you play at City it’s great, one of the biggest clubs in the world, but I just told him if I can score twice against you, what do you think Harry Kane is going to do to you?”
“He did not take that well and basically cashed me up. I just looked at him and thought, ‘Why are you giving me the big one, you have not really done anything yet.’
“If I was in his position I’d never be cocky or arrogant. I’m not saying all of them were but the centre back was. I’m happy I scored two and basically shut him up.”
