Wayne Rooney ‘Fuming’ Over Manchester City’s Mid-Match Guard Of Honour For Bernardo Silva And John Stones

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has strongly criticised Manchester City’s decision to hold mid-match guards of honour for departing stars Bernardo Silva and John Stones during their Premier League clash against Aston Villa.

The emotional scenes unfolded at the Etihad Stadium as both players were applauded by teammates and opponents while being substituted during Pep Guardiola’s farewell match in charge of Manchester City. However, Rooney believes the celebrations should never have interrupted a competitive fixture.

Speaking on BBC Match of the Day, the former England captain admitted he would have been furious if he were part of the Aston Villa squad.

“It’s incredible,” Rooney said. “I’ve seen a few things this season, and it just makes me sad that some of these things are happening in football. Bernardo Silva and John Stones have been incredible for Manchester City and they deserve it, but do it after the game. If I was in that Aston Villa team, I’d be fuming.”

The guards of honour took place while the game was still hanging in the balance. Silva received his tribute shortly before the hour mark with the score level, while Stones was honoured later in the second half. Critics argued that such ceremonies disrupted the competitive integrity of the match, especially with Aston Villa still fighting for an important European finish.

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer backed Rooney’s criticism and questioned why Villa agreed to participate in the celebrations.

“I was surprised that Villa agreed to doing it, particularly with so long left,” Shearer explained. “With half an hour still to go in one case, I’m in Wayne’s camp. I’m not a great fan of that while the game is going on.”

Despite the emotional atmosphere surrounding Guardiola’s final match after a historic ten-year spell at Manchester City, Aston Villa spoiled the farewell party on the pitch. Ollie Watkins scored twice as Unai Emery’s side secured an impressive 2-1 victory at the Etihad.

Still, the day was more about emotion than results for many City supporters. Guardiola, visibly emotional after the final whistle, admitted he struggled to hold back tears as he reflected on the bonds he built during his legendary tenure.

The Spaniard revealed that seeing the squad’s emotional reaction to the departures of Silva and Stones finally broke his composure, bringing an emotional close to one of the greatest managerial eras in Premier League history.

Bernardo Silva and John Stones leave Manchester City as two of the most decorated players in the club’s modern era, having helped deliver multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups and Champions League glory under Guardiola.

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