Pep Guardiola plants kiss on cheek of fourth official after telling off

Pep Guardiola lightened the mood on the touchline during Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, sharing an unusual moment with fourth official Craig Pawson.

City had taken an early lead through Erling Haaland’s ninth-minute strike and looked on course for victory before the Gunners struck back late on.

In the closing stages, Guardiola found himself in a lively exchange with Pawson on the sidelines.

Instead of letting the telling-off get to him, the City boss suddenly leaned in and planted a kiss on Pawson’s cheek. The official stepped back, momentarily startled but with a smile, before resuming his duties, while Guardiola chuckled with his hands on his hips – both clearly seeing the funny side.

Pep Guardiola just kissed the fourth official and he added 7 minutes additional time 😭😭😂😂#ARSMCIpic.twitter.com/oueveR8P8R

Guardiola’s grin didn’t last long, however. Moments later, after Pawson signalled seven minutes of injury time, City conceded deep into stoppage time. Gabriel Martinelli rescued a point for Arsenal, superbly chipping Gianluigi Donnarumma to cancel out Haaland’s opener.

The result means Arsenal remain unbeaten in their last five Premier League meetings with City.