Pep Guardiola apologises after confrontation with cameraman following loss to Newcastle United | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has admitted he felt “embarrassed and ashamed” after confronting a cameraman in the immediate aftermath of Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United, a result that left the champions seething over a series of contentious decisions.

Visibly incensed at full-time, Guardiola strode onto the St James’ Park pitch to challenge referee Sam Barrott following a penalty claim, a handball appeal and a close offside call that went against his side. As he left the field, he pulled the headphones from a pitchside cameraman before speaking directly into his ear, an incident caught on the live broadcast.

“I apologised,” Guardiola said speaking to media. “I feel embarrassed, ashamed when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person. I make huge mistakes. The reason why is I want to defend my team and my club.”

Tensions were similarly high among the players. City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had to be ushered away amid heated discussions, while Newcastle midfielder Joelinton was restrained by manager Eddie Howe. Guardiola also exchanged words with Magpies captain Bruno Guimaraes.

Yet the City manager insisted there was no ill-feeling between them. “We have known Bruno for many years… our paths always cross. I always have a good relationship with him,” he said. “I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands and my arms and everything.”

City will now attempt to regroup as pressure mounts in a domestic campaign that is beginning to test Guardiola’s composure as much as his squad’s resilience.

GFN | Finn Entwistle