Pep Guardiola Finally Speaks Out After Explosive Camera Operator Clash
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola revealed he immediately offered an apology for his conduct after his side's Premier League loss to Newcastle United.
City suffered a 2–1 defeat and were frustrated by multiple officiating calls, which left Guardiola furious when the match concluded. The 54-year-old entered the field to have words with official Sam Barrott, but crossed a boundary when he angrily approached a camera operator, grabbing the individual's headphones to apparently yell something directly at him.
Guardiola stated that he made amends for his actions immediately afterward.
"I said sorry. I feel embarrassed, ashamed when I watch it back. I don't like it. I apologised straight away to the cameraman. I am who I am," he told journalists on Monday.
"After 1,000 matches I'm not perfect, I make big errors. The motivation is I want to protect my team and my club," the Spanish coach continued.
Why Was Pep Guardiola So Angry After Newcastle Defeat?
All three strikes during the match at St James's Park came within just 10 second-half minutes. Harvey Barnes put Newcastle ahead on the hour, quickly equalized by Rúben Dias. However, moments after City leveled the score, Barnes secured Newcastle's winning goal.
Barnes' second strike underwent an extensive VAR examination, determining that two Newcastle players—Barnes and Bruno Guimarães—who might have been offside were not, while also deciding there was no foul on City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Guardiola's team also saw two penalty claims dismissed.
During the heated post-match confrontation, there seemed to be heated exchanges with Guimarães, a player Guardiola had publicly commended just days before.
This time, the City manager said he was unsure "what occurred", but maintained his relationship with the Newcastle midfielder frequently rumored for an Etihad move remains "positive".
"We've known Bruno for years and years and every time following matches, even at the Etihad, we chat in the tunnel or wherever we meet, always. I don't know what occurred," Guardiola clarified.
"Our paths regularly cross and I always maintain a positive relationship with him. I enjoy it. I'm a passionate person, I enjoy talking and gesturing with my hands and arms and everything."