Manchester City beat Newcastle United 3-1 on Saturday night to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals, with Omar Marmoush’s second-half double securing their place in the next round.
Pep Guardiola admitted he said sorry during the victory over Newcastle United in the FA Cup fifth round because of “how good Manchester City were playing”. The hosts took the lead on 18 minutes through Harvey Barnes, but once Savinho equalised before half time, City were in control.
Omar Marmoush fired home from close range just after the break to put City ahead. He then bagged a second with a spectacular long-range effort on 65 minutes. Following the third goal, television cameras cut to Guardiola repeatedly saying something as his players celebrated.
When asked by TNT Sports what he was saying, Guardiola replied: “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” Pressed on why he felt the need to apologise, Guardiola added: “For how good we were playing.” City’s head coach was in the spotlight throughout the victory after being booked for arguing a decision.
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Guardiola felt Jeremy Doku should have received a free kick when he was caught by his opponent but referee Sam Barrott waved away the complaints. This led to the City boss’ furious reaction that earned him a booking. Reflecting on that incident, Guardiola said: “When Jeremy Doku dribbles past Trippier and goes alone to the box and is being pulled from behind, I’m not asking for a yellow card but please – it’s a foul.
“I will defend my team. We have all the records in this country – all of them. Despite everything, we have all of them.
“And we have the record of the manager with the most yellow cards. I have always wanted this record and now I have it. Two games banned now and I will go on holiday.”
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He added: “Oh my god. Oh, my, God. There are things that still after ten years I cannot understand. Review the action, review the action. Of course I’m going to defend Doku, and all my teams. They continue to do it.”
The suspension for Guardiola’s sixth booking of the season will come into effect against West Ham in the Premier League next weekend and the FA Cup quarter-final in April. The suspension does not apply to European matches or the Carabao Cup final vs Arsenal.