Pep Guardiola apologises after a filmed confrontation with a cameraman sparks outrage
Pep Guardiola has issued a direct apology for his behaviour following Manchester City’s defeat to Newcastle United, admitting he felt embarrassed when he watched the footage of himself confronting a cameraman at St James Park. The Manchester City manager expressed regret in his pre match press conference and accepted full responsibility for the incident, which occurred seconds after the final whistle of the two one loss.
The match ended in frustration for Manchester City after several decisions went against them. As the players left the pitch Guardiola appeared visibly agitated. Cameras showed him approaching a cameraman and speaking with clear irritation before removing his headphones. His mood remained tense as he exchanged words with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, who were escorted away to prevent further escalation. The moment generated significant discussion, with broadcast footage circulating widely.
Guardiola addressed the situation ahead of City’s Champions League meeting with Bayer Leverkusen. He confirmed that he apologised immediately to the cameraman involved and said that watching the footage back made him feel uncomfortable. He stressed that he accepted the criticism and viewed the episode as a personal failing rather than a misunderstanding.
He said that he apologised straight away and added that the images made him feel embarrassed and ashamed. He explained that he did not like seeing himself in that situation and repeated that he apologised within a second of the encounter. He added that he accepted he acted emotionally and wanted to make clear that the confrontation was not justified.
The incident has drawn wider attention because Guardiola has built a reputation for controlled public behaviour during his time at Manchester City. Though he is known for demanding standards, his interactions with staff, officials and media crews usually remain calm. This moment, filmed closely and broadcast within minutes, demonstrated the strain of a disappointing result in a competitive season.
Newcastle’s midfielders Guimaraes and Joelinton found themselves briefly involved when tempers rose in the immediate aftermath. Both players approached Guardiola during the exchange and appeared to respond to his comments before being guided away by club staff. There were no further confrontations and the Football Association has not announced any investigation.
The broader context of the match intensified the reaction. Manchester City entered the game chasing vital points and expected to continue a strong run of form. Newcastle capitalised on their opportunities and took the victory, prompting scrutiny of City’s performance in both defence and attack. The defeat left Guardiola responding not only to tactical questions but also to discussions about his conduct.
He acknowledged during the press conference that managers face intense moments but insisted that this did not excuse his behaviour. He described himself as responsible for the example he sets and noted that he addressed the matter directly with the individual involved. He added that he respected the work done by camera operators and that he regretted creating an uncomfortable moment for someone simply doing their job.
Manchester City prepared for their next fixture with attention turning back to their Champions League campaign. Guardiola made clear that he wanted the focus to shift toward the match against Bayer Leverkusen and City’s response following the weekend setback. However the apology remained at the centre of pre match discussion as he stressed that accountability was important.
This episode leaves Guardiola reflecting openly on a moment he says he wishes had unfolded differently. The apology signals a desire to reset the narrative while Manchester City look to return to form on the pitch.