Pep Guardiola expressed his frustration after Rico Lewis was sent in Laat in the World Cup opener of Man City's Club.
City defeated the Moroccan outfit Wydad with 2-0 after a controlled version, with the first half goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku who appear to be the difference.
The side of Guardiola rode through the second period, but the disaster struck in the 88th minute when Lewis was sent away by referee Ramon Abatti after he caught Samuel Obeng in the face with his next after a challenge.
The decision split the opinion, in which Lewis won the ball and he was unable to do something about the collision, although Abatti immediately waved in a red card before VAR confirmed his call.
Lewis was shocked by the decision and stayed on the field for a few minutes to protest against his innocence in what a small spot was with an impressive start of the tournament for City.
And, after the game, Guardiola jumped, who also protested with Abatti full -time, to the defense of Lewis.
“He has the ball, both feet on the grass,” Guardiola said. 'He [Ramon Abatti] Said, “No, the feet and leg were high,” but it's on the grass! It is of course!
“Rico has never had any intention, but it doesn't matter, it is what it is.”
Former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel, who worked as an expert on reporting Channel 5 about the game, did not agree with Guardiola.
“The argument is that he has the ball,” said Mikel. “But he kept it high there and catches him high. You can see the leg move there [towards him]. I don't think [it’s momentum].
“I think the referee has made the right decision.”
The decision also split the opinion about social media, where some fans were surprised that Lewis received his mars orders.
One said: “Rico Lewis sent after winning the ball,” as another added: “That Rico Lewis Red Card … Tackling any nature is getting closer and closer if that is considered a red card. Joke from a decision. '
A further fan chimde with a similar opinion when they said: 'How on earth is that a red? These referees are still ridiculously bad. So they want Rico Lewis to shift the challenge at the same time and gets taken out of the challenge? Come on. '
Nevertheless, others supported the call when someone added: 'Red card! Rico Lewis will be sent! “How?” he asks. You have kicked someone in the face, Rico. '
In the meantime, an extra supporter joked: 'That Rico Lewis Red Card is at the same time never a red in a million years and also a straight red every day of the week. No intention, but can see why it is given. '
Lewis was previously impressed by the game as part of a new-look city team that included new signing sessions Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders, while Victor Reis made only his fourth start for the club in January.
The side of Guardiola is now opposite the Vae-Outfit al-In on Monday, before they accept Juventus in their last group game next Thursday.