Manchester City cruised past Wydad in their opening Club World Cup clash on Wednesday night, but the 2-0 win was dampened by a controversial red card for defender Rico Lewis
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Pep Guardiola and Rico Lewis
Pep Guardiola has insisted Rico Lewis did not deserve to be sent off in Manchester City's 2-0 opening Club World Cup win over Wydad
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been left frustrated over Rico Lewis' red card in their opening Club World Cup win over Wydad, insisting the defender "touched the ball" before hitting the head of an opposition player on the follow-through.
City secured a routine 2-0 win over the Moroccan outfit to get their campaign off to a good start in the United States, but the result was slightly dampened by a Lewis' controversial sending off.
Fans were left divided on social media over the dismissal after Lewis clearly caught the ball but caught Samuel Obeng in the head with his studs and the referee showed little hesitation in sending him off.
Guardiola was adamant after the game that Lewis should not have been sent off and believes that the player should have avoided punishment because his foot was slid along the ground.
"He got the ball, both feet on the grass," the Spaniard said. "He [referee Ramon Abatti] said, 'No, the feet and leg was high', but it's on the grass!"
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The City boss added: "It's natural! He never had any intention to do it. But it doesn't matter. It is what it is."
Pundit Jon Obi Mikel, the former Chelsea midfielder, had a different take on the incident and felt Lewis deserved the red card because he left his foot too high.
"I think it was the right card, for sure," he told Channel 5. I think you can see the follow through with his leg. He left it high. I think the referee made the right decision."
Rico Lewis after tackling Samuel Obeng
Lewis received his marching orders for his tackle on Samuel Obeng, despite winning the ball initially
While Guardiola was disappointed to lose Lewis during the tournament, there were a number of positives for his City side - not least the return of star man Rodri from injury after being subbed on - while new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki both started.
He said after the game: "Tijjani Reijnders played really good, Rayan Cherki played in good moments.
"Of course, [Rodri] will be important. We have to adjust many things, but step by step. The season is too long, but it is important to be here.
"The first game in the group stages are always the tricky one. We learn from here and the second one will be better."
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