Pep Guardiola has confessed to feeling “embarrassed” and “ashamed” after a heated exchange with a cameraman following his team’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle. The fiery encounter at St James’ Park saw Guardiola embroiled in intense discussions with Newcastle players Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, referee Sam Barrott, and a camera operator.

Guardiola’s frustration was palpable as a double from Harvey Barnes handed Newcastle the victory. The second goal from Barnes sparked controversy, with Manchester City claiming that Gianluigi Donnarumma had been fouled in the lead-up, but the goal was eventually given the green light after a lengthy VAR review.

After the match, Guardiola was spotted arguing with Guimaraes and Joelinton, and he even went as far as to remove a cameraman’s earphone to vent his anger.

“I apologised,” Guardiola admitted during a press conference on Monday. “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. It’s not about that. What is for sure, I defend my team and my club, that’s for sure.

“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.”

The City boss also sought to play down his exchange with Guimaraes. “We have known Bruno for many, many years and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel or wherever we talk, always,” explained Guardiola.

“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.”

During his post-match interview on Saturday, Guardiola repeatedly insisted that “everything is fine” when questioned about the on-pitch scenes. However, he was evidently frustrated by Barrott’s officiating and the VAR’s decision to allow Barnes’ second goal to stand.

Yet, speaking before City host Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday, he declined to discuss the Newcastle match any further. “The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My god, he was involved,” the City boss said.