Lewis red card 'unnecessary' - Guardiola

Manchester City brag Pep Guardiola has defended Rico Lewis, calling the referee's determination to nonstop him disconnected successful their Fifa Club World Cup opener "unnecessary".

The 20-year-old England planetary was dismissed successful the 88th infinitesimal of City's 2-0 triumph implicit Moroccan broadside Wydad Casablanca successful Philadelphia.

Lewis won the shot erstwhile helium slid into a situation with Samuel Obeng, but caught his hostile successful the look with his footwear arsenic helium followed through.

Despite the full-back's protests, the video adjunct referee (VAR) confirmed the reddish paper and Lewis volition present beryllium suspended for Monday's 2nd crippled against United Arab Emirates broadside Al Ain successful Atlanta (BST 02:00).

City manager Guardiola was near angered by Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti's determination and aboriginal spoke to the official.

"He thought the limb was a small spot high, but helium (Lewis) was connected the grass, helium touched the ball," said Guardiola.

"For the velocity they spell to interaction the ball. Rico had nary intention, helium is simply a idiosyncratic who ne'er has an volition to wounded anyone.

"It was unnecessary, honestly, the reddish card, but the referee had a antithetic sentiment and he's the boss. They checked VAR, truthful we judge it."

First-half goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku gave City triumph against the 22-time Moroccan champions successful Group G.