Rico Lewis Sent Off in Controversial 2-2 Draw Between Manchester City and Crystal Palace
Rico Lewis’ Red Card Controversy: Guardiola’s Perplexing Comments and VAR Debate
Manchester City were left frustrated as Rico Lewis received a controversial red card in their 2-2 Premier League draw with Crystal Palace. Lewis, who equalized for Pep Guardiola’s side in the second half, was shown two yellow cards within 14 minutes, ruling him out of next weekend’s highly-anticipated clash against Manchester United.
The first booking stemmed from dissent towards referee Rob Jones, while the second was for a foul on Trevoh Chalobah. Initially appearing as a clear yellow card, replays revealed Lewis’s foot was beneath Chalobah’s. Guardiola’s cryptic post-match remarks—repeatedly stating “It is because it is Rico” to the BBC—left many more confused about his stance than the decision itself.
Former referee Dermot Gallagher, speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, called the dismissal “unlucky” but explained why VAR could not overturn it:
“He doesn’t catch Chalobah; it’s the other way round. He’s paid a heavy price for the earlier yellow card. When you see it as the referee does, it looks like a lunging challenge. But it exposes that you can’t change second yellows.”
Gallagher highlighted the evolving nature of VAR but admitted its current limitations:
“It might gather ground, but at the moment, it’s impossible. The amount of stoppages has prevented it from being brought in. We’re in a better place than five years ago, but there’s still work to do.”
Former player Stephen Warnock called for urgent change:
“It’s a game-changing moment. If VAR is there to help referees, that’s a prime situation. And now Rico Lewis has to miss a game for a flawed system.”
The controversy underscores the ongoing debate about VAR’s role in improving fairness in football.
