Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola defends Sergio Aguero for putting hands on female referee

City manager Pep Guardiola previously backed Aguero and again came to the defense of the 32-year-old while speaking with reporters on Friday ahead of Saturday's league clash with West Ham United at London Stadium. 

"All the people looking from outside judge," Guardiola said, per Rob Dawson of ESPN. "I know the intention from Sergio.

"Sergio put his hands in a normal way like he does many times to me, on or off the pitch or when I hug him, when there is a substitution or when sometimes he touches the referee as well or an opponent.

"If I'd seen some aggression, maybe. I think it was normal as I know him perfectly. He's been a huge star in the world but he's humble, [one of the] nicest people I've met.

"What is important is his intention, and his intention was normal, to talk to her in a normal way. It was not a bad word; it was just normal. I didn't speak to Sergio about this but I'm pretty sure if she felt bad he will apologize without a problem."

It's believed Aguero will feature for City against West Ham after he escaped punishment for the much-publicized incident. He could have been sent off and handed a ban had the contact been deemed violent in any nature.