Guardiola ‘Embarrassed and Ashamed’ Over Cameraman Incident After Newcastle Defeat

Guardiola Says He’s ‘Ashamed’ After Confronting Cameraman at St. James’ Park

Pep Guardiola has issued a public apology after a heated confrontation with a cameraman and the referee following Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday.

What Happened?

Following a game filled with contentious decisions — including penalty shouts, a tight offside call, and a handball appeal — Guardiola stormed onto the pitch and:

• Spoke directly to referee Sam Barrott

• Pulled the headphones off a cameraman

• Whispered something into the cameraman’s ear before walking away

Guardiola later admitted his actions were out of line:

“I apologised. 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.”

On-Pitch Tensions Escalate

• City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had to be escorted off

• Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes were involved in separate altercations

• Guardiola was seen speaking to Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes post-match, though he insisted it was friendly

“Our paths always cross. I always have a good relationship with him. I love it. I’m an emotional guy.”

Guardiola Eyes Champions League Progress

Despite the drama, focus quickly shifts to the Champions League, where City host Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. A win would boost their bid for the knockout stages.

This will be Guardiola’s 100th Champions League match as Manchester City manager, a milestone after guiding the club to its first European title in 2023.

City’s Struggles in 2024-25

• 3rd place finish in Premier League

• Knocked out early in UCL and FA Cup

• No major trophies — a rare outcome for the Guardiola era

“It was the worst season I ever had in my career,” said defender Josko Gvardiol.

“I couldn’t sleep at night. I was trying to find solutions.”

Looking Ahead

Guardiola remains determined to turn the page:

“Every season we’ve been in the Champions League and hopefully next season too. It’s special for everyone involved. But in sport, not everything is easy — not everything is flowers on the road.”