Is this an overreaction?
This weekend marked 60 years since the Munich air disaster, when an aeroplane carrying Manchester United’s squad crashed on its third attempt to take off, killing most of the passengers on board.
Every year, a minute’s silence is observed in remembrance of the players who died. United captain Michael Carrick posted a heartwarming message on his social media accounts yesterday, paying his respects to the ‘Flowers of Manchester’.
As good as the result was today. It was about paying respects and remembering those who suffered 60 years ago this week in the Munich air disaster. Lest we forget “Keep the red flag flying high” 🔴🙏🏻 #FlowersOfManchester pic.twitter.com/jsA2zq6bbk
— Michael Carrick (@carras16) February 3, 2018
Many people noticed that in tweet, Paul Pogba – who was benched for yesterday’s game – was photographed with his hood up and his hands in his pockets. This has triggered a backlash, with many people labelling it a lack of respect.
Pogba during the minute silence today with his hood up and his hands in his pockets. Bit of respect wouldn't go amiss. pic.twitter.com/2e3DHkc0te
— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) February 3, 2018
Am I the only one who thinks Pogba’s a tit for having his hood up here? https://t.co/QqT9T2GjnC
— Jack Sul (@jsul23) February 4, 2018
Have some respect pogba and take your hood down😡
— 🇾🇪LC🇮🇪 (@BigOirishBalls) February 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/RM_Performance/status/959927746439843845
Any respect pogba? pic.twitter.com/WXUEwuwqPD
— kaks (@manauooo) February 4, 2018
It is traditionally poor manners to stand with our hood up and hands tucked in your pockets, but there will not have been any intention to disrespect anyone from Pogba. It is fair to point it out, but it’s more likely that the cold weather and his disappointment at being substituted were what caused his seemingly disrespectful pose.
Pogba may be frustrated with his manager José Mourinho for dropping him after a dismal display against Spurs on Wednesday, but he will not have meant to take that frustration out in a way that soured a moment of remembrance.
