STWF Sports | Nov. 24, 2025 – Pep Guardiola has issued a public apology for his confrontation with a cameraman following Manchester City’s 2–1 defeat to Newcastle United last Saturday, acknowledging he felt “embarrassed” watching the footage back.
The incident occurred immediately after the final whistle at St James’ Park, where a visibly frustrated Guardiola clashed verbally with a broadcast cameraman who had stepped in front of him during his walk across the pitch. The Catalan manager removed his headset, gestured sharply, and exchanged words not only with the cameraman but also with Newcastle midfielders Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton, who were ushered away by club staff amid rising tensions.
Days later — and ahead of City’s Champions League showdown with Bayer Leverkusen — Guardiola addressed the moment head-on.
“I apologised,” he said during Monday’s pre-match press conference. “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.”
Guardiola Explains Exchange With Guimarães
The City boss also clarified what appeared to be a tense exchange with Newcastle star Bruno Guimarães on the pitch.
“We have known Bruno for many, many years,” Guardiola said. “Every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel or wherever. I don’t know what happened. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship with him. I love it. I’m an emotional guy — I love to talk and move my hands and my arms and everything.”
Though the situation never escalated beyond words, it underscored just how heated the atmosphere had become after a match that City believed was influenced by a string of questionable decisions.
City Furious Over Key Officiating Moments
Manchester City walked into Tyneside knowing victory would pull them within a single point of league leaders Arsenal. Instead, they left frustrated — not just by the defeat, but by a series of calls they felt went against them.
In the first half, Phil Foden appealed for a penalty after a challenge from Fabian Schär. The England international released his shot just before the contact arrived, leading referee Michael Oliver — and VAR — to determine that the collision was “inevitable” as Schär made a legitimate attempt to block the ball. City disagreed, arguing the defender impacted Foden after the ball was gone.
The second Newcastle goal proved even more contentious.
A chaotic sequence began with Gianluigi Donnarumma failing to claim a high ball, allowing Nick Woltemade and Harvey Barnes multiple bites at the rebound. Barnes ultimately converted brilliantly from the edge of the area to give the hosts the lead.
City equalised moments later through Rúben Dias, whose deflected effort beat Martin Dúbravka, but the reprieve was short-lived.
Newcastle’s winner arrived following a crowded corner in which Donnarumma appealed for a foul by Barnes. Play was allowed to continue, and Woltemade’s looping header struck the bar before Barnes reacted quickest to hook in the rebound. The Italian goalkeeper was booked for his protests. Replays showed minimal contact, while an extended offside check on Guimarães confirmed he was level.
Missed Opportunity for City as Arsenal Pull Away
Had City secured three points, they would have tightened their chase of Arsenal, who later smashed Tottenham 4–1 in the North London Derby to extend their advantage at the top. Instead, Eddie Howe celebrated his first-ever Premier League victory over Guardiola, further complicating City’s title defense.
For Guardiola, the emotions of the moment spilled into actions he regrets — and ones he moved swiftly to correct.
“I want to defend my club, always,” he said. “But I must do better.”
City will now attempt to reset quickly as they turn their attention to Europe, where a stern test against Leverkusen awaits.
