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- Manchester City beat Wydad 2-0 in their Club World Cup opener on Wednesday
- City star Rico Lewis was sent off towards the end of the clash in Philadelphia
- Watch every Club World Cup match free on DAZN . Sign Up Now
Pep Guardiola expressed his frustration after Rico Lewis was sent off late in Man City’s Club World Cup opener.
City beat Moroccan outfit Wydad 2-0 after a controlled performance, with first half goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku proving to be the difference.
Guardiola’s side cruised through the second period but disaster struck in the 88th minute when Lewis was sent off by referee Ramon Abatti after he caught Samuel Obeng in the face with his follow through after sliding in for a challenge.
The decision split opinion, with Lewis winning the ball and he was unable to do anything about the collision, although Abatti immediately brandished a red card, before VAR confirmed his call.
Lewis was left shocked at the decision and stayed on the pitch for several minutes to protest his innocence in what was a small blot on an impressive start to the tournament for City.
And, speaking after the game, Guardiola, who also remonstrated with Abatti at full-time, leapt to the defence of Lewis.
‘He got the ball, both feet on the grass,’ Guardiola said. ‘He [Ramon Abatti] said, “No, the feet and leg was high”, but it’s on the grass! It’s natural!
‘Rico never had absolutely any intention, but it doesn’t matter, it is what it is.’
However, former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel, who was working as a pundit on Channel 5’s coverage of the game, disagreed with Guardiola.
‘The argument is he got the ball,’ Mikel said. ‘But he left it there high, and catches him high. You can see the leg move there [towards him]. I don’t think [it’s momentum].
‘I think the referee made the right decision.’
The decision also split opinion on social media, with some fans left astonished at Lewis being handed his marching orders.
One said: ‘Rico Lewis sent off after winning the ball,’ as another added: ‘That Rico Lewis red card… tackling of any kind is getting closer and closer to being completely outlawed if that’s deemed a red card. Joke of a decision.’
A further fan chimed in with a similar opinion as they said: ‘How on earth is that a red? These refs are still ridiculously bad. So they want Rico Lewis to slide and pull out of the challenge at the same time? Come on.’
Nevertheless, others backed the call as one added: ‘RED CARD! Rico Lewis is sent off! “How?” he asks. You kicked someone in the face, Rico.’
Meanwhile, an extra supporter quipped: ‘That Rico Lewis red card is at the same time never a red in a million years and also a straight red every day of the week. No intent, but can see why it’s given.’
Lewis had earlier impressed during the game as part of a new-look City team that included new signings Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders, while January arrival Victor Reis made just his fourth start for the club.
Guardiola’s side now face UAE outfit Al-Ain on Monday, before they take on Juventus in their final group game next Thursday.
