‘I was frustrated’: Cole Palmer hits back at Sergio Gomez criticism after Man City team-mates clash

Cole Palmer has hit back at Sergio Gomez after his Manchester City teammate criticised the youngster’s behaviour during the U-21 Euros final.

The Manchester City teammates have stolen the headlines after the Spaniard hit out at Palmer. England won 1-0 after Palmer’s free-kick deflected off Curtis Jones and into the corner of the net.

Gomez was vocal in his disapproval of Palmer’s celebrations, which prompted a brawl leading to England coach Ashley Cole and Spanish fitness coach Carlos Rivera both being sent off.

Morgan Gibbs-White and Spain’s Antonio Blanco were both dismissed in second-half injury time after Blues goalkeeper James Trafford made an incredible match-winning double penalty save.

With tensions running high, Gomez said: “It surprised me. He didn’t want to apologise or anything like some of his other teammates.

“I don’t know, I would have celebrated it in a different way and my teammates would have done it in a different way as well.

“They [England] have the attitude they want to have. This is not the first time something like this has happened with this team. We have tried to represent our country in the best possible way and have the utmost respect for all our rivals. They wanted to celebrate it like this and also after the missed penalty.”

Palmer has now responded, accusing Spain’s player of going to ground easily and being over-theatrical. He admitted it was the heat of the moment and expects it to blow over.

“I was a bit frustrated because the game, well, the way they were going down and screaming and stuff,” Palmer said, via MailSport.

“So obviously when I scored, I just, the celebration might have been a bit over-the-top, but I’m just happy.”