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Manchester City ‘Unlikely’ To Submit Appeal Over Controversial Rico Lewis Red Card

Cai Parry Written by Sports EditorCai Parry
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Rico Lewis

Manchester City are ‘unlikely’ to submit an appeal after Rico Lewis was shown a controversial red card in their Club World Cup win over Wydad on Wednesday.

Manchester City ‘Unlikely’ To Appeal Rico Lewis Red Card

Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City side got off to a flying start at the FIFA Club World Cup, as they claimed a 2-0 win over Moroccan champions Wydad Casablanca on Wednesday.

Phil Foden handed the Cityzens an early advantage in the second minute before Jeremy Doku doubled the lead just before half-time. The game didn’t come without its controversy, however.

In the 88th minute, a loose ball from City saw Rico Lewis slide in to win possession, and having won the ball, a flailing foot struck the face of Wydad forward Samuel Obeng.

Without a moment of hesitation, Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti showed Lewis a red card for serious foul play, and his decision was supported by the view of VAR.

Regardless, City, who are one of two Premier League teams at the Club World Cup, held on for a clean sheet. The result leaves them in second place in Group G, behind Juventus after their thumping 5-0 triumph over Al-Ain in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Manchester City now have the ability to appeal the decision in an attempt to get the red card overturned. However, the Daily Mail report that the club are ‘unlikely’ to do so.

As such, City and Lewis will have to settle for a one-match suspension.

WATCH: Rico Lewis Red Card vs Wydad

Rico Lewis ‘Fuming’ With Red Card Decision

Speaking to the press following City’s victory in their opener, youngster Nico O’Reilly said: “Rico is fuming with the decision, none of us believe it was right.

“I think he slid in first, then their player slid second. He’s tried to move his leg out of the way and accidentally caught him. I think it was the wrong decision.”

Guardiola, speaking to DAZN, added: “He got the ball, both feet on the grass. He [Ramon Abatti] said, ‘No, the feet and leg was high’, but it’s on the grass! It’s natural! Rico never had absolutely any intention, but it doesn’t matter, it is what it is.”

The Spaniard continued: “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.”

Ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, meanwhile, is adamant that Abatti was right to show Lewis a red.

Speaking to Channel 5 after the incident, Mikel said: “I think it was a red card for sure.

“You can see he got the ball and I think his argument is that he got the ball. You can see his follow through with his leg, he left it there high and catches [Obeng] on the face, neck, whatever it was.

“I think the referee made the right decision. For me it’s a definite red card, he got the ball, left his foot high. There’s no argument about that.”

Due to the red card, Lewis will miss City’s next Group G fixture against Al-Ain on Monday.

He will be eligible to make his return for their final group game against Juventus on Thursday.

Cai Parry Written by Sports EditorCai Parry
Cai is a news and features writer that specialises in football, but has experience covering a variety of other sports, including darts, basketball, American football, MMA, boxing and more. He holds a degree in Football Journalism (BA Hons) from the University of Derby, and worked with Nottingham Forest FC and Burton Albion FC throughout his studies. Cai also has experience working in social media with the Football Association of Wales, where he worked on a freelance basis, and has also been an accredited writer in the JD Cymru Premier for both Y Clwb PĂȘl-Droed and welshfootie since the 2019/20 season.
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