Manchester City's manager, Pep Guardiola, has voiced his strong disapproval of FIFA referees chief Pierluigi Collina following the decision to extend Rico Lewis's suspension at the Club World Cup. The young defender's suspension was increased to three games after he received a straight red card in City's opening Group G match against Wydad Casablanca. The incident occurred when Lewis made a sliding challenge and unfortunately caught an opponent in the face.
Initially, Lewis was handed an automatic one-match ban, which meant he missed the game against Al Ain. However, after a disciplinary review by FIFA, the suspension was extended, much to Guardiola's dismay. The Manchester City manager felt that the initial sending-off was unduly harsh, considering that both players were sliding in together and the contact appeared to be accidental. He believes the escalated punishment is excessive.
Guardiola expressed his frustration, stating, "I don't know the boss for the referees, Collina? I didn't have the honour to talk to him. But I'm pretty sure referees don't know Rico. He's the sweetest, the kindest, and sometimes as a defender you have to say (to him), 'You have to be more aggressive'." He emphasized Lewis's character, describing him as an inherently kind player who would never intentionally hurt another player.
He further elaborated on the incident, saying, "It's an action that has no intention. I know the image can pretend to be but both (feet) are on the floor, and unfortunately he touched a little bit the lips. I know it can be apparently tough but it's Rico Lewis, right? So I can (understand) with another type of player – but it is what it is." Guardiola's argument centers on the unintentional nature of the contact and the character of Rico Lewis as a player. He suggests that a different player might warrant a harsher judgment, but Lewis's reputation should be taken into consideration.
Despite his disagreement with the ruling, Guardiola acknowledged that the club would accept FIFA's decision. "If they make it three games he has more time to rest, be on the beach, at home with his girlfriend, and he will be back hopefully if we go through in the next games. But I know Rico and never, never, never is it his intention to hurt anyone. But if FIFA want to show how serious they are, OK. We accept the three games and move on," he stated.
Guardiola's comments came before City's final group game against Juventus. While disappointed with the suspension, he attempted to find a positive spin, suggesting that Lewis would benefit from the extra rest. However, his underlying frustration with the decision and the perceived lack of understanding of Lewis's character remained clear. The manager's strong defense of his player underscores his belief in Lewis's integrity and the accidental nature of the incident.
