Although Manchester City’s Jack Grealish is accustomed to being jeered at away games, he frequently receives especially harsh treatment at St. James’ Park because of a 2022 remark he made about one of their biggest supporters.
It’s no stranger for Jack Grealish to make news during Manchester City’s championship parades. There were the memorable 2023 picture, the close call with death in 2024 when he almost slid off the back of an open-air bus, and a few expletives in 2022.
When Bernardo Silva went live on Instagram that year with Grealish by his side, another act received some unwanted attention. That was the year he waltzed onto the stage, beer in hand, and still in full party gear. Laughing off Riyad Mahrez’s performance in Manchester City’s thrilling comeback victory over Aston Villa on the last day, Grealish uttered the now-famous remark, “There were two secrets… number one: Riyad.” Remove him from the field as quickly as you can. He performed yesterday like Miguel Almiron.”
Senseless, foolish, and perhaps even a little harsh. However, Grealish had allowed a joke from the dressing room to become well known, and it was unavoidable.
Unsurprisingly, Newcastle, where Almiron is adored by his North East supporters, took exception at the remarks. Only three games into the new season, the fixture computer sent City to St James’ Park, adding to the intrigue.
That day, as City drew 3-3, Grealish was expected to face hostility, but he was denied a chance to impress as home supporters unveiled an Almiron flag in favour of the Paraguayan. Grealish participated in the September Carabao Cup loss and was vociferously jeered each time he touched the ball, but he was also not used as a substitute at St. James’ Park in the Premier League last season.
Grealish had had time to correct the record and provide an apology by then.
Speaking from the England World Cup camp in December 2022, he disclosed that he had apologised in private to his former teammate Matt Targett, who is currently at Newcastle. “Jack, he’s a cute little boy, he’s not dangerous, and he doesn’t speak much English, so he won’t really be bothered,” Matt remarked, according to Grealish.
“I wanted to respond to Almirón on social media, but I’ve been there with other things, and you dig a bigger hole,” the speaker said.
Prior to then, Almiron had defused tensions by beginning the season brilliantly, which reinforced the Grealish remark. Grealish’s remarks were mocked by a flag that was seen at Newcastle: “I wish I could play like Almiron,” it said. “Miggy, please give your shirt to Grealish,” it said another.
The next time we line up to play Man City, would I shake his hand? Indeed. I would, indeed,” Almiron replied. “Without a doubt, I would shake hands with him whenever we played Man City.”
“Jack Grealish is an excellent player, as I’ve stated before and as I continue to tell people, and I simply wish him the best. As long as I can remember playing football and throughout my career, I have never really given much thought to what people say to me off the pitch. All you have to do is carry out your own tasks.”
Grealish was impressed by that reply. He pondered, saying, “I thought, ‘What a guy.'” Because I would have likely reacted negatively and yelled, “F— it,” if that had been spoken about me. Though even in private I shouldn’t have mentioned it because he’s a fellow professional, I didn’t understand it was a video that was going public. I’ve received a lot of flak from Newcastle supporters, and for good reason.
