Pep criticizes legend Collina

Pep Guardiola was upset about Rico Lewis' red card.

Rico Lewis will receive a further two-match ban from FIFA for his controversial red card in Manchester City's 2-0 win over Wydad AC on June 19. In Manchester City's opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup™, the English side comfortably beat Wydad AC.

However, the joy of the Manchester club's victory was somewhat overshadowed by Rico Lewis' red card in the 88th minute. The incident occurred when Lewis collided with Wydad striker Samuel Obeng. The Manchester City star swung his foot at his opponent's head after successfully blocking the ball.

Despite Lewis clearly touching the ball and his foot being flat on the ground, referee Ramon Abatti had no hesitation in brandishing a red card. The initial ban was just one match, and the versatile Man City defender missed the 6-0 win over Al Ain.

However, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee, under the direction of Pierluigi Collina - head of the refereeing team, increased Lewis' suspension by two more matches, surprising Manchester City and Guardiola.

Guardiola did not hide his disappointment and attacked Collina: “I don’t know him. I heard he is the boss of referees, Collina? I have not had the honor of speaking to him. Neither the ground conflict nor Lewis’s reaction deserved a heavy penalty.”

Pep also stressed that Lewis' foul was unintentional and insisted that the player was not a rough player: "I know Rico, and his intention was never to hurt anyone. If FIFA and the referees want to show their power, give them three games, but we will still move forward."

According to Reuters , FIFA's Disciplinary Committee determined that Rico Lewis' tackle was a "serious foul". The additional punishment will also see the 20-year-old player sit out the match against Juventus and the round of 16 match at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Lewis is one of the brightest young talents in the Manchester City academy, often used by coach Pep Guardiola as a full-back or defensive midfielder. His absence will force the Catalan strategist to adjust tactics in the upcoming matches.

Jobe Bellingham shines at FIFA Club World Cup Early morning on June 26, Bellingham's younger brother assisted Dortmund to beat Ulsan 1-0 in the group stage of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.

Source: https://znews.vn/pep-chi-trich-huyen-thoai-collina-post1563746.html