Pep Guardiola has bizarre interaction with a reporter as Man City boss discusses Rico Lewis’ red card in 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace

Pep Guardiola gave some perplexing responses to a reporter when the Man City boss was asked about Rico Lewis’ red card against Crystal Palace.

The 20-year-old midfielder was dismissed in the 84th minute for City in their 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park, as the champions have now won just one of their last nine games in all competitions.

He received his first booking in the 70th minute for dissent towards the referee just two minutes after scoring an equaliser.

Then, a clumsy tackle on Chalobah saw Lewis pick up the first red card of his professional career.

Guardiola was conservative with his words when questioned about the incident, providing cryptic answers.

‘It’s because it’s Rico,’ the Spaniard told BBC Sport.

20-year-old Rico Lewis received the first red card of his young career against Crystal Palace

Guardiola’s men lie fourth in the Premier League table and sit eight points behind Liverpool in 1st

‘Sorry?’ the reporter responded.

Guardiola: ‘It’s Rico.’

Reporter: ‘Sorry, I couldn’t understand you.’

Guardiola: ‘It’s because it’s Rico.’

Reporter: ‘It’s because it’s Rico Lewis you think he got the yellow card?’

Guardiola: ‘It’s a yellow card?’

Reporter: ‘No, I’m asking you; did you think it was a yellow card?’

Guardiola: ‘It’s Rico Lewis.’

City travel to Turin to face Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday, then host rivals Man United next Sunday, as the champions’ unrelenting schedule continues to challenge them

City now lie fourth place in the Premier League, eight points off league leaders Liverpool, who have not lost in their last 17 games in all competitions.

Guardiola’s men failed to capitalise on gaining a potential psychological advantage over their title rivals, as Liverpool’s game against Everton was postponed on Saturday afternoon.

If City were able to reduce the gap further with a win, the pressure would be on for Liverpool to match that result when they eventually do play their game in hand.

For now, however, Arne Slot’s side continue to dictate business at the top of the table, as they prepare to return to league action next Saturday at Anfield against Fulham.