Super Eagles legend Mikel Obi has backed referee Ramon Abatti on his decision to give Manchester City star Rico Lewis a red card in their opening game of the FIFA Club World Cup against Wydad Casablanca on Wednesday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Wydad were massive underdogs when they played Manchester City at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
But the Moroccan club gave a good account of themselves, pushing Pep Guardiola's men until the very last minute. Wydad could have even scored if they were a bit more organized and ruthless in front of goal.
However, they failed to capitalize and had to settle for the loss. But the game did not end without a bit of drama in the closing embers.
Lewis clattered into Samuel Obeng when both of them were trying to win a loose ball in the midfield. Lewis did win the ball, but his studs caught Obeng on the face.
TEKEL GA ADA OBENG!
Rico Lewis mendapatkan STRAIGHT RED CARD setelah tidak sengaja mengelus area wajah Samuel Obeng menggunakan ujung kakinya dalam laga Club World Cup semalam pic.twitter.com/4XaKvH11Gd
— Extra Time Indonesia (@idextratime) June 19, 2025
Before Lewis even stood up, the referee was already standing over him with a red card.
The Manchester City star's sending off has divided opinions, as some fans believe he did not deserve to be sent off.
Mikel Obi's verdict on Rico Lewis' red card
Former Super Eagles midfielder Mikel was on pundit duties for the game, and he thinks the red card was deserved because Lewis hit Obeng's face with his boot.
“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,” Mikel said, per the Independent.
“You can see his follow through with his leg, he left it there high and catches [Obeng] on the face, neck, whatever it was.”
“You can get the ball and keep your feet on the ground but he didn’t do that. He lifted them up and caught the guy on the neck.”
Lewis' red card means that he will miss Manchester City's next game against Al Ain on Sunday.
