Guardiola ‘Embarrassed and Ashamed’ After Clash With Cameraman
Man City boss apologises after tense post-match incident and reflects on pressure ahead of Champions League milestone
- Pep Guardiola apologises after saying he felt “embarrassed and ashamed” for confronting a cameraman
- City’s frustrations grew after several contentious officiating decisions during the 2-1 loss at St James’ Park.
- Guardiola prepares for his 100th Champions League match as City manager as the team seeks to strengthen its position in the group stage.
Pep Guardiola has publicly apologised for his confrontation with a cameraman following Manchester City’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park on Saturday.
City were left frustrated after several contentious decisions — including a denied penalty, a handball appeal, and a tight offside call — which fuelled Guardiola’s anger at full-time. The City boss walked onto the pitch to speak to referee Sam Barrott before pulling off a cameraman’s headphones to make a remark.
“I apologised,” Guardiola said, declining to reveal what he had said. “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 perfect; I make huge mistakes. I just wanted to defend my team and my club.”
Tensions extended beyond the touchline. City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had to be guided down the tunnel, while Newcastle’s Joelinton was restrained by manager Eddie Howe. Guardiola also exchanged words with Magpies captain Bruno Guimarães.
“We’ve known Bruno for many years. We always talk after games, at the Etihad or anywhere,” Guardiola said. “I don’t know what happened. I’m emotional — I talk with my hands, my arms, everything.”
Champions League milestone for Guardiola
Manchester City now turn their attention to the Champions League, where they host Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. City are unbeaten in the group phase and sit fourth, with a win set to strengthen their position in the top eight and edge them closer to a direct path to the knockout rounds.
The fixture will be Guardiola’s 100th Champions League match as City manager. His biggest triumph in the competition came in 2023 when City defeated Inter Milan in Istanbul to lift the trophy. However, the journey has included heartbreak, including the 2021 final loss to Chelsea and a dramatic 2022 semi-final exit to Real Madrid.
“Every weekend is a milestone,” Guardiola said, reflecting on City’s record 14 consecutive Champions League qualifications. “To compete with Europe’s best teams is special — for the players, managers, the entire club. There are more disappointments than good moments, but the experience shapes you.”
Last season was a rare low point for the club, as they finished without a major trophy for the first time in eight years. Defender Josko Gvardiol described it as the toughest season of his career.
“I couldn’t sleep at night because I was trying to find solutions,” he admitted. “Things didn’t go how we wanted, but I’m glad it’s behind us and that we have recovered well.”
