Raheem Sterling was awarded a bizarre penalty on Wednesday night during Manchester City's 6-0 thrashing of Shakhtar Donetsk, but manager Pep Guardiola has defended the Englishman for not pointing out the error to the referee.
Sterling was through on goal when he kicked the turf and fell over. However, the referee awarded a penalty to the incredulity of the Ukranian side.
"Oh he's kicked the ground. Oh dear..."
"There's an official behind the goal. You've to question the reason for his existence!"
Man City are 2-0 up thanks to Gabriel Jesus' penalty. But replays show Raheem Sterling kicked the ground rather than being fouled. ? #VMSport pic.twitter.com/zQ03adpfk8
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 7, 2018
Speaking post-match, Guardiola pointed to last season's Champions League tie against Liverpool when Leroy Sane incorrectly had a goal ruled out incorrectly for offside after the goal bounced off James Milner.
He could do that, but last season Liverpool... Milner could say that the pass to the second goal in the 44th minute it was a legal goal.
But (referee) Mateu Lahoz didn't want to concede that goal, so that's why it happened, but he could do that, yes.
He went on to make a plea for VAR to avoid situations like this: "You know VAR and what it is - referees must be helped because they don't want to make mistakes. They want to make a good performance but the game is quick and players are more skilled."
Sterling did apologise post-match.
"I've mistimed the kick. It was a calamity. Sorry on my behalf."
Raheem Sterling on the penalty he won tonight despite there being no foul. #VMSport pic.twitter.com/frU1abiF8C
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 7, 2018
