Pep Guardiola has defended Rico Lewis after the Manchester City defender was “unjustifiably” sent off in the opening game of the Club World Cup on Wednesday.
Lewis was sent off with two minutes remaining in a comfortable 2-0 win over Wydad Casablanca in rainy conditions in Philadelphia.
The England international won possession after challenging Samuel Obeng but accidentally hit his opponent in the face as he finished.
City manager Guardiola was outraged by the decision by Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti and later discussed it with him.
Guardiola noted: “He thought his foot was a bit high, but he was on the grass. He touched the ball.
“Given the speed at which they touch the ball – according to Newton's theory, your foot should be slightly higher and your opponent's lower. Rico had no intention.”
“Rico is a player who never intends to hurt others with his style of play.”
“It was unnecessary, honestly, a red card, but the referee had a different opinion and he is the owner. They checked VAR, so we accepted it.”
The Lewis incident overshadowed the opening professional match of Group G, which was won by goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku early and late in the first half.
Guardiola said: “It's so hot now. It's not easy for all teams. We had good moments with a lot of new players.”
“The first game in the group stage is always very, very important. We started very well. After that we had some difficulties, especially when we lost easy balls, but I saw a lot of positives.”
“This was the first game, now we are preparing for the next match. Everyone will have to improve because it is extremely difficult, and it will happen.”
Guardiola handed debuts to new signings Tijani Reynders and Ryan Cherki but it was Foden who inspired them, smashing home a rebound in the second minute before feeding Doc.
Foden had a lacklustre 2024-25 campaign but was recently suspended from the England squad to recuperate ahead of the tournament.
Guardiola said: “He was really good. It was a great pass for the second and the first goal, he's always there.”
“We are very pleased and he played in a position where he had to defend, playing as a defensive midfielder.”
City will now return to their Miami training base before heading to Atlanta for their next match against Al Ain Abu Dhabi on Sunday (Monday morning Irish time).
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
