Rio Ferdinand has criticised referee Viktor Kassai’s decision to book Raheem Sterling for diving against Barcelona.
Inside the opening quarter of an hour, Sterling cut inside Samuel Umtiti and appeared to be felled by the centre-back, although replays suggested the Manchester City winger went to ground easily.
Rather than award a penalty, referee Kassai booked Sterling for diving and former Manchester United defender Ferdinand believes it was the wrong call.
He told BT Sport: “He’s [Sterling] been a threat all night tonight and that’s a definite penalty. Umtiti here, diving in. Straight on his toe. I don’t know what the referee’s playing at.
“I don’t know what game he’s watching. He’s given a booking to the attacking player there and he’s got a great position [to see it].”
Barcelona took the lead through Lionel Messi but Sterling was able to make an impact with a wonderful through ball for Ilkay Gundogan to equalise before half-time.
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