John Obi Mikel Stirs Debate Over Rico Lewis Red Card at Club World Cup
What a moment of controversy we witnessed at the Club World Cup, and it’s making waves not just on the pitch but across the punditry table too. Manchester City kicked off their campaign with a solid 2-0 win over Wydad AC, thanks to early goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku. But instead of all the attention focusing on City’s fluid attacking display, the spotlight quickly turned to a controversial refereeing decision — one that has fans, experts, and former pros divided. And right in the middle of the discussion? None other than former Chelsea and Nigeria midfield general, John Obi Mikel.
In the final few minutes of the match, City’s young full-back Rico Lewis was sent off after a sliding tackle on Samuel Obeng. Now, let’s be clear: Lewis did get the ball first. But on the follow-through, his momentum carried him into Obeng, catching the striker in the face. It looked like an unfortunate clash more than a reckless act — at least to some. Referee Ramon Abatti didn’t hesitate, flashing a straight red, and even VAR backed him up.
City manager Pep Guardiola was furious. He insisted that Lewis’s feet were on the ground, and that there was no intent to harm. “He got the ball, both feet on the grass,” Pep argued. You could see the frustration boiling as he confronted the referee post-match, defending his player with real conviction.
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But here’s where it gets interesting. John Obi Mikel, working as a pundit during the game, took a very different view. He wasn’t convinced by Pep’s argument. In fact, Mikel openly said he supported the red card. According to him, Lewis’s follow-through was too high, and that kind of contact — accidental or not — needs to be punished. “He left it there high and catches him. You can see the leg move towards him,” Mikel said, dismissing the idea that it was just momentum.
That one comment sparked a flurry of reactions online. Some fans backed Mikel, saying the rules are clear and the safety of players has to come first. Others accused him of being overly critical and claimed that football’s becoming too soft if tackles like that earn a red card.
Even Keith Hackett, the former head of referees in England, weighed in. He believes the referee was under pressure — not from the players or coaches, but from FIFA itself. With Pierluigi Collina overseeing referees at the tournament, Hackett claimed Abatti may have chosen the “safe” option to avoid making a mistake that could cost him his place in the tournament.
What’s clear is that this wasn’t just about a single decision on the pitch. It’s about how football is evolving, how referees are being influenced, and how players and pundits interpret intent, danger, and fairness. John Obi Mikel’s stance adds an extra layer of perspective — not just as a pundit, but as someone who’s been on the pitch in high-stakes moments.
Whether you agree with Mikel or Pep, this incident is another reminder of how the game continues to spark passionate debate. And with City’s next game just around the corner, all eyes will be on how they respond — and whether this red card changes the course of their tournament run.
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