Key Takeaways:
- Pep Guardiola admitted on Monday that he felt “embarrassed” and “ashamed” about his actions towards a cameraman following Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat against Newcastle
- Harvey Barnes secured victory for Newcastle with a brace, as City’s complaints over the second goal and a potential foul on Gianluigi Donnarumma were rejected following a VAR review
- Guardiola apologised to the cameraman immediately after the incident and discussed his emotional exchanges with Newcastle players and referee Sam Barrott
Guardiola’s Public Apology After Heated Aftermath
Pep Guardiola has publicly admitted his embarrassment and shame regarding a tense post-match incident at St James’ Park, where he confronted a cameraman after Manchester City suffered a 2-1 loss to Newcastle. The City manager revealed during a Monday press conference that he apologised to the cameraman almost instantly, acknowledging his mistake in a highly charged environment.
The incident followed a confrontational episode involving Newcastle players Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, as well as referee Sam Barrott. Guardiola’s emotional response culminated in him removing a cameraman’s earphone in a moment of frustration.
Pep Guardiola clashed with a camera operator at full time after Manchester City's loss to Newcastle 😳 pic.twitter.com/LxTCvae39W
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 22, 2025
Controversy Surrounds Newcastle’s Second Goal
Harvey Barnes was the architect of Newcastle’s triumph, netting both goals to hand City a rare defeat. Manchester City were left aggrieved after Barnes’ second goal, which was hotly debated due to claims that Gianluigi Donnarumma had been fouled in the lead-up. Despite City’s protestations, the goal stood after an extended VAR review.
Guardiola remained clearly dissatisfied with the officiating, especially Barrott’s decisions and the VAR verdict on Newcastle’s decisive strike. However, in his subsequent press conference, the City boss refused to elaborate on the events, opting instead to look ahead to the club’s next fixture.
Guardiola Reflects on His Emotional Response
Describing himself as an “emotional guy”, Guardiola sought to offer context for his actions and frequent gesticulations, particularly when interacting with Newcastle’s Guimaraes. He emphasised the longstanding cordial relationship they have shared, underscoring that his demonstrative behaviour was nothing out of the ordinary.
Guardiola was also resolute in his defence of Manchester City, highlighting the immense standards required to win the Premier League. He stated: “The reason why is I want to defend my team and my club. That is no doubt. Because from my experience to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it. That’s for sure.”
Upcoming European Challenge
With City poised to host Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday, Guardiola declined further comment on the St James’ Park events. “The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My god, he was involved,” he said, before shifting his focus to the midweek European fixture.
| Fixture | Result | Key Incidents |
|---|---|---|
| Newcastle United v Manchester City | 2-1 | Harvey Barnes (2 goals); VAR upholds second goal; Post-match confrontation involving Guardiola, Guimaraes, Joelinton, referee and cameraman |
