Player was sent off in Manchester City’s game against Wydad; Lewis was initially expected to miss only one game
Manchester City’s young defender Rico Lewis will miss three games after FIFA confirmed an extended suspension following his red card against Wydad Casablanca in the Club World Cup.
Lewis was initially due to serve a one-match ban and miss City’s clash with UAE champions Al Ain on Monday. However, after a review, the 20-year-old will now also sit out the final group-stage game against Juventus and any potential last-16 match, should City advance.
The incident occurred during the second half of City’s 2-0 win over Wydad. Lewis lunged for a loose ball and made contact with it first, but his follow-through caught the head of Wydad forward Samuel Obeng. Referee Ramon Abatti, after a VAR check, showed Lewis a straight red card.
Pep Guardiola expressed his disappointment at the decision in his post-match interview: “[The referee] thought the leg was a little bit high, but Rico was on the grass, he touched the ball. For the speed they go to touch the ball. Rico had no intention, he is a person who never has an intention to hurt anyone.
“It was unnecessary, honestly, the red card, but the referee had a different opinion and he’s the boss. They checked VAR, so we accept it.”
The ban is a blow for Lewis, who has emerged as a key rotational player under Guardiola for the past 12 months.
The suspension also disrupts City’s squad depth in the tournament. Guardiola’s side are among the favourites to win the trophy but Lewis’ absence potentially adds an extra headache for the manager, especially with Juventus expected to provide a tougher test in their final group game.
