Manchester City kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win against Wydad AC, thanks to goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku.
Tijjani Reijnders starred against Wydad while Rayan Cherki looked like he was still finding his feet as two of City’s four new signings finally got a taste of playing under Pep Guardiola.
Doku impressed against Wydad as well and there were plenty of positives to take for Guardiola from Wednesday’s contest.
However, it was Rico Lewis who grabbed the headlines after his tackle on Samuel Obeng, as his follow through led to the Ghanaian forward being caught on the face as the youngster was subsequently shown a red card.
SOCCER: JUN 18 FIFA Club World Cup Group G Manchester City v Wydad AC
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Mark Clattenburg says Rico Lewis’ red card during Man City vs Wydad AC was deserved
Ramon Abatti’s decision to give Lewis red card may have been considered controversial by many, as the Manchester City defender’s challenge seemed to lack any intent and was focused on beating the Wydad star to the ball.
However, speaking exclusively to Manchester City news, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg believes that the Englishman deserved to be sent off as his challenge was a classic case of “serious foul play.”
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Clattenburg, who has officiated more than 600 games explained: “Rico Lewis deserved his red card for serious foul play. The referee was in an excellent position to see Lewis stretching for the ball with his studs which catches his opponent in the face.”
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“This type of sliding challenge is dangerous and endangered the safety of his opponent. The images shown on the TV from the referee’s body cam were a great insight into the referee’s view and I think it’s a great addition to give football fans a better viewing angle which enhances the entertainment.”
“Also these body cams are vital for grass roots level to protect their safety.”
How Rico Lewis feels about his red card after Man City vs Wydad AC
Nonetheless, Pep Guardiola would have been frustrated as Lewis is now suspended for Manchester City’s upcoming clash against Al Ain.
Guardiola previewed the contest against Al Ain by revealing that he will make 10 changes to the side that started against the Moroccan side and Matheus Nunes seems like the most likely candidate to take the 20-year-old’s place.
Unlike Mark Clattenburg, Nico O’Reilly and the Manchester City squad disagreed with the red card, with the player revealing Lewis is upset about the decision.
O’Reilly said via the Daily Express: “Rico is just fuming with the decision because none of us believe it was the right decision.”
“I think he slid in first and then their player slid in second.”
O’Reilly concluded: “He’s tried to move his leg out of the way and accidentally caught him. I think it was the wrong decision.”