Manchester City, alongside Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), Al Ain (UAE), and Juventus, have been drawn into Group G of the Club World Cup tournament held in the United States.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has voiced his disagreement with Rico Lewis’s red card in their opening Club World Cup match, deeming the referee’s decision “unnecessary.”
The 20-year-old English international was dismissed in the 88th minute of City’s 2-0 victory against Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia. Lewis, while winning the ball in a challenge with Samuel Obeng, inadvertently caught his opponent’s face with his follow-through.
Despite Lewis’s appeals, VAR upheld the red card, resulting in a suspension for Monday’s match against Al Ain in Atlanta (02:00 BST).
Guardiola expressed his frustration with referee Ramon Abatti’s decision, engaging in post-match dialogue with the official.
“He felt the leg was high, but Rico was grounded, he played the ball,” Guardiola stated. “Given their speed in playing the ball, Rico had no malicious intent; he’s not someone who would ever intentionally hurt an opponent.”
“The red card was unnecessary, in my opinion, but the referee’s judgment is final. VAR reviewed it, so we accept the decision.”
First-half goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku secured City’s win against the 22-time Moroccan champions.
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