Pep Guardiola expressed deep regret, admitting he felt “embarrassed and ashamed” after an animated interaction with a television cameraman following Manchester City’s recent defeat to Newcastle United, for which he promptly apologized.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has publicly apologized for a heated post-match altercation with a cameraman following his side’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday, according to a report from ESPN.
Guardiola confronted the camera operator at St James’ Park, where he was visibly irritated by a number of refereeing decisions, culminating in the controversial award of Newcastle’s winning goal in the 70th minute.
The incident occurred at the final whistle after Guardiola had already been involved in animated discussions with Newcastle player Bruno Guimaraes and the match officials.
Footage captured the Catalan coach removing the cameraman’s headphones and speaking intensely into his ear. The defeat saw City drop seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal in the Premier League table.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday ahead of City’s Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen, Guardiola expressed immediate regret for his actions.
“I apologise,” he stated. “I feel embarrassed and ashamed when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised to the cameraman after one second.”
He attributed his highly-charged reaction to his deep commitment to his side and acknowledged his imperfections.
“I am who I am. Even with 1000 games I am not a perfect person and I make huge mistakes,” Guardiola said, adding: “What is for sure I defend my team and my club, that’s for sure.”
The loss, marked by a Harvey Barnes double, left City feeling they were on the wrong end of several key calls, including a disputed second goal that was upheld after a VAR review.