Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has criticized the red card shown to Rico Lewis during City’s 2-0 victory over Wydad Casablanca in their FIFA Club World Cup opener, calling the decision “unnecessary.”
The 20-year-old England defender was sent off in the 88th minute after a sliding challenge on Samuel Obeng. Though Lewis clearly won the ball, his follow-through saw his boot catch Obeng in the face.
Despite Lewis’s protests, VAR upheld Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti’s decision to issue a straight red card. As a result, Lewis will miss City’s next match against Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates, scheduled for Monday in Atlanta.
Guardiola voiced his frustration after the game, saying, “He was on the ground, he touched the ball. Rico had no intention to hurt anyone—he’s not that kind of player. The red card was unnecessary, but the referee thought otherwise and made the call.”
Guardiola also confirmed he spoke to the referee post-match. “He said the leg was a bit high, but in football, players go at high speed to reach the ball,” he added. “VAR checked it, so we accept the decision, but I disagree.”
City secured the win with first-half goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku against the 22-time Moroccan champions in Group G.
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