Rico Lewis will miss Manchester City’s crucial derby against Manchester United on December 15 after being handed a one-match suspension following his red card in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.
Details: Lewis, 20, started on the left side of Manchester City’s defence at Selhurst Park but was sent off in the final minutes for a challenge on Trevoh Chalobah. The red card came after Lewis was already booked earlier for dissent, leaving City to finish the game with 10 men.
There was debate over whether Chalobah had fouled Lewis first, but referee Rob Jones ruled against the Manchester City defender. VAR could not intervene because it does not review second yellow cards.
As a result, Lewis now faces a one-match suspension that will see him miss the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on December 15. However, he will still be available to play in Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Juventus.
QUOTES:
Pep Guardiola: “Both the team and I are disappointed. Losing Rico for a game like this makes it much harder, but we’ll find a way to adapt and move on.”
CITATIONS:
Lewis’s absence comes at a critical moment, with Manchester City now eight points behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race. Liverpool also hold a game in hand after their Merseyside derby with Everton was postponed due to Storm Darragh.
Know this: The decision by referee Rob Jones and the resulting ban for Lewis came amidst heavy scrutiny from Manchester City players, who voiced their displeasure post-match. With the title race tightening, this suspension could prove costly as they attempt to recover from eight points adrift of Liverpool in the league standings.
KEEP IN MIND:
- Lewis will be suspended only for the Premier League clash against Manchester United on December 15.
- VAR cannot intervene with second yellow card decisions.
- Lewis is available for Manchester City’s upcoming Champions League match against Juventus.
- Manchester City are now eight points behind Liverpool in the title race.
