Pep Guardiola Clashes with Newcastle Player in Tense Exchange

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Pep Guardiola was at the center of a tense confrontation following Newcastle’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City at St James’ Park, a result that further complicates City’s title challenge.

Harvey Barnes’ brace proved decisive, dealing a blow to the reigning Premier League champions’ hopes of closing the gap on leaders Arsenal, who had a game in hand.

Pep Guardiola Clashes with Newcastle Player in Tense Exchange
Source: Getty Images

The victory also coincided with Liverpool’s 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, making it a tough weekend for England’s defending champions.

The match saw Barnes open the scoring with a superb strike in the 64th minute that left City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with no chance.

Manchester City responded quickly, as Ruben Dias equalised just four minutes later. Yet Newcastle regained the lead on 70 minutes, when Barnes bundled home his second goal of the night.

There was some debate about a potential offside in the build-up, but after a VAR review, the goal was allowed to stand.

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The Premier League Match Centre shared graphics on X confirming both Bruno Guimarães and Barnes were onside, and there was no foul on Donnarumma prior to the goal, putting the decision beyond doubt.

After the match, Guardiola’s frustration boiled over as he confronted referee Sam Barrott on the pitch.

The City manager was visibly agitated and engaged in heated words, not only with the official but also with Newcastle players Joelinton and Bruno Guimarães.

Joelinton appeared to exchange words with Guardiola before being restrained by teammates, while Guimarães had a brief but tense exchange with the Spaniard, pulling him back momentarily before Guardiola eventually walked away.

Guardiola even appeared to confront a camera operator on the pitch during the commotion.

In a post-match interview, Guardiola was asked about his conversation with Guimarães, replying:

“I said how good he is (but that conversation) is for private situations. Everything is fine.” On the VAR decision regarding Barnes’ winner, he initially stated: “I didn’t see it. I didn’t see it,” but later told BBC’s Match of the Day: “It happened in the Bournemouth game and it happened today again. It is what it is after VAR decided. They know perfectly.”