Current OPT card expires and renewal application is pending

[asharm]

My current OPT card expires in next week and I have already applied for renewal of my OPT last month. The case status of the application is still pending. According to USCIS gov website, I can still work and my employment authorization gets extended automatically for 180 days.  Foll is

1) My new employer says they would need OPT card for I-9 form. Till then they cannot hire me. Is this really correct?

2)If yes, then how does rule stands true that  I can work for 180 days?

 

Please let me know.

 

Thanks!!!!