Embarrassed and ashamed – Pep Guardiola apologises after clashing with cameraman following controversial Newcastle defeat
Guardiola was full of remorse for his actions
Pep Guardiola has apologised after confronting a cameraman following Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday, admitting he felt “embarrassed and ashamed” by his behaviour.
Guardiola stormed on to the field at the final whistle at St James’ Park and was visibly irritated after a number of refereeing decisions went against his side.
Having spoken at length with home midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, the Catalan then turned his ire on the cameraman, taking off his headphones and barking into his ear.
Asked to reflect on the incident this lunchtime, ahead of City’s Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen tomorrow night, Guardiola said: “I feel embarrassed and ashamed when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologise to the cameraman.
“I am who I am. Even with 1000 games I am not a perfect person and I make huge mistakes.
“I defend my team and my club.”
City hard done to at St James’ Park
Guardiola had every right to be annoyed at the performance of referee Sam Barrott and the VAR against Newcastle, with several key calls going the hosts’ way, particularly when City were not awarded a first-half penalty when Fabian Schar clattered into Phil Foden in the area.
Despite the setback, Guardiola insisted it was now time to look forward.
He added: “It’s immediately forgotten [the defeat to Newcastle]. There were a little thoughts about what happened, but it’s massively important [the game with Leverkusen].
“We’re halfway in our group stage, made an incredibly good four games. Even the game against Monaco we played outstanding and now we start the last four games; two at home, two away. Tomorrow, [against] third in the table in the Bundesliga, massively important game to finish where we want to finish, in the first eight.
“Of course winning tomorrow and one more point we will be already qualified for the next round, in front of 24 teams like last season was. That’s why tomorrow is important, and the focus is on what we have to do.”