Manchester City bagged a 2-0 victory against Moroccan side Wydad AC in their first match of the Club World Cup on June 18 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Phil Foden netted Man City’s first goal in the second minute of the match and then assisted Jeremy Doku to find the back of the net in the 42nd minute. However, a little rain in their parade was Rico Lewis being shown off the pitch in the 88th minute.
Lewis was given a red card for committing a foul on Wydad’s Samuel Obeng, and now, the Englishman will face a one-match ban at the Club World Cup.
Speaking after the clash, head coach Pep Guardiola expressed being unhappy with referee Ramon Abatti’s decision about the red card, and referred to it as ‘unnecessary.’ And now, questions have surfaced about whether Man City would appeal against Lewis’ one-match ban.
What did Man City boss Pep Guardiola say about Rico Lewis’ red card?
Guardiola mentioned (comments via BBC Sport) that even though he does not agree with the referee’s call on Lewis’ red card, Man City ‘accept it.’
“He thought the leg was a little bit high, but he (Lewis) was on the grass, he touched the ball. For the speed they go to touch the ball. Rico had no intention, he is a person who never has an intention to hurt anyone. It was unnecessary, honestly, the red card, but the referee had a different opinion and he’s the boss. They checked VAR, so we accept it,” said the Catalan coach.
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While Man City have the option to appeal against the one-match ban issued to Rico Lewis, MailSport’s Jack Gaughan has reported it is unlikely that the club will take that action.
Man City are set to face Al Ain in their second clash of the Club World Cup on June 22, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in Atlanta, Georgia.
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