Barcelona sack Sergi Guardiola just hours after signing him

Guardiola was unveiled as a new signing for Barcelona B on Monday, but by the evening his contract had been terminated.

However, the player has denied making the comments himself on social media, instead suggesting that it was a friend who took his phone.

Speaking to the Spanish radio station Cope, the 24-year-old, who is no relation to club legend Pep Guardiola, said: “I know I made a mistake.

“I apologise to Catalonia and Barcelona. I understand the decision, I’d do the same.

“I want to make clear I didn’t write those tweets. A friend took my phone and did it. It’s a misunderstanding.

“The tweets are from 2013, a joke from a friend, I didn’t even know the tweets existed," he continued.

“Barcelona have treated me very well. I understand their decision. Now I’m going home, we’ll see what happens.”

Barcelona officials were reportedly alerted to the "offensive tweets" from Guardiola’s account back in 2013 which included the message “Hala Madrid” – seemingly a declaration of support for Real Madrid. Other comments were deemed offensive to the club and to Catalonia