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His second yellow card for time wasting was shocking to Lewis and Northern Ireland.
Jamal Lewis was sent to Northern Ireland for time-wasting during the first half. A dramatic 2-0 defeat against Switzerland ended their World Cup qualification hopes.
In the 37th minute, the Newcastle United defender was given a second yellow for taking too much time over a throw in.
Christian Fassnacht and Steven Zuber scored in stoppage for each team.
Six points are more than NI in Group B, and the Swiss are currently second.
After Bulgaria's defeat to Lithuania on Saturday, both sides entered the match in a fight for second and the play-off spot. However, the Swiss are strong favorites to win that slot, with three qualifying games remaining.
Lewis's suspension will be added to the list of players Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough won't have for Tuesday's qualifier away from Bulgaria.
In the third minute of extra time, Switzerland scored their first goal. Breel Embolo was allowed through by Jordan Thompson and Craig Cathcart. Zuber then fed him, and he scored well past Bailey PeacockFarrell.
They missed a lot of opportunities after the break, as Northern Ireland's men tired. Fassnacht won the victory by finishing unmarked with a good pass from Embolo.
After the hosts thought that they had taken the lead through Denis Zakaria in the fourth minute, the match took on a dramatic tone. However, the goal was disallowed after a long VAR review.
Conor Washington, Northern Ireland's sole frontman, scored just minutes later. He took the shot with his left leg and it went straight at Yann Sommer, goalkeeper.
Referee's decision against Switzerland makes NI again vulnerable
Northern Ireland's Steven Davis disputes referee
Few Northern Ireland fans will forget the penalty against Switzerland in the 2018 World Cup Play-off First Leg at Windsor Park. It was a spot-kick against Corry Evans for handball, which looked very much like it hit his shoulder.
This penalty proved decisive in both legs. Jamal Lewis was also sent to the stands with a red card. It had a devastating impact on Northern Ireland's World Cup hopes.
Although the defender cannot complain about his booking for a tug-on-Embolo, it is rare that a player is shown a yellow card in a match of this level - the red for time-wasting and almost 55 minutes to go.
Replays revealed that the ball was out-of-play for 23 seconds. While the referee had spoken to visiting players a few time beforehand about taking too long, Lewis's shock and dismay could not have been more evident.
The visitors were able to reduce their opponents to 10 men by having Stuart Dallas switch to the left wingback position occupied by Lewis. Baraclough set the side up as a 5-3-1 formation and the visitors continued to frustrate them.
They were within seconds of reaching the goal without conceding to the intermission, which would have allowed them to take a much-needed break and regroup. It felt almost like Northern Ireland had lost all chance of achieving any positive result.
After a frantic start, the Swiss are frustrated by Compact Northern Ireland
Conor Washington missed Northern Ireland’s last chance at victory in the match very early on
Baraclough was faced with a difficult decision when Blackpool's striker Shayne lavery, in good form, had to withdraw from the qualifier double-header due to injury.
Lavery caused a major problem for the Swiss defense with his speed and running skills in the draw at Windsor Park in September. However, Baraclough had to replace him and change his team to what looked almost like a surprising 3-4-2-1 formation with Stuart Dallas and George Saville playing in Washington's place.
Baraclough seemed to be trying to close the space in the middle of the pitch. The tactic worked until the sending off, when the game's dynamics changed. The hosts enjoyed a lot more possession but not many clear-cut chances.
Washington would have had something to hold onto if he took his chance early. However, the chances of Northern Ireland getting a point were greatly diminished 12 minutes after Lewis left.
Baraclough must inspire his team for the trip to Bulgaria. Baraclough said that defeat would not end their World Cup hopes, but with six points less than Switzerland and three matches remaining, it will take a significant turnaround for Northern Ireland to reach the finals.
