I thought that on watching it. He was extolling the positives of Bernardo, he speaks five languages, one of the loveliest guys I ever met, he loves Mendy like a brother etcetera. Everybody knows that and it isn't the in doubt, just as it isn't that he is not a racist. He has to realise that if he posts such out there for the wider world to see that while Mendy might find it hilarious a lot won't. Add to that there are a whole host of people out there just waiting for anyone, or anything, connected to Manchester City to slip up to pounce and the hierarchy and public relations department really need to get a grip.
They are all very highly paid employees representing a high profile football club and with that comes responsibilities. Almost everyone in employment these days has to sign a social media contract as well as a work one, stating that posts that bring negative attention to the company will be dealt with severely. I did and I'm sure many others have.
All this explaining what a great guy Bernardo is, he loves Mendy, he meant no harm, it was a joke are just digging a bigger hole and making the situation worse. It is almost like someone saying, " Hey I have black mates I can't be racist!"
He should have immediately apologised for any offence not meant but caused by the tweet and adding that although it was banter between two friends who both get the joke, he could see with hindsight how others might not. By delaying such a statement, which he is probably going to have to make in the end, it looks even worse, like he has been forced to say it. Again our public relations department have failed miserably in their work and need replacing, just like our IT department.
Everyone can pontificate as much as they like on this subject but the bottom line is like it or lump it this is how it is these days regarding speech, both spoken and posted online. The wrong thing said or posted can have dire consequences for yourself, your career and your family. Some may like it, some stamp their feet and say " Its a load of bollocks!" But it's the way the cookie crumbles today I'm afraid.