Pep Guardiola was left frustrated by the decision to send off Rico Lewis as we kicked off the FIFA Club World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Wydad AC.
[CELEBRATE: Foden enjoyed that one!
Club World Cup
City begin Club World Cup with comfortable Wydad win](https://www.mancity.com/news/fifa-club-world-cup/man-city-wydad-ac-match-report-fifa-club-world-cup-63885856)
Goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku saw us collect all three points at our Group G opener at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
But after an impressive performance, Lewis was shown a straight red card in the 88th minute by Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti.
The former Academy player won the ball cleanly but accidentally caught Wydad substitute Samuel Obeng in the face with his follow-through.
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VAR upheld the decision and Guardiola said there was no malice in the tackle but that we have to accept the decision.
“The leg was high but he was on the grass,” the City boss explained.
“He touched the ball and, for the speed they go, to touch the ball, the leg has to be a little bit higher and the other player was down.
“It wasn’t a red card, Rico never had intention to hurt anyone for his style of play.
“It was a little bit unnecessary the red card, but the ref had a different opinion, he’s the boss and they checked VAR so we have to accept it.”
Watch Pep’s postmatch press conference in full…