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Rio Ferdinand blasts referee Viktor Kassai after denying Raheem Sterling and Manchester City a penalty against Barcelona as Graham Poll says call was unfair on Pep Guardiola's side

Daily Mail | November 1, 2016

Related Topics: Raheem Sterling, Viktor Kassai, Manchester City F.C., Rio Ferdinand, Steve McManaman, Penalty kick, Referee (association football), Penalty area, UEFA Champions League

Rio Ferdinand has blasted referee Viktor Kassai for not awarding Manchester City a penalty in the first half of their Champions League match against Barcelona.

City looked destined to have the chance to get the first goal of the night at the Etihad affter only ten minutes when Raheem Sterling burst into the Barcelona penalty area and appeared to be tripped by central defender Samuel Umtiti.

But Kassai, a referee with 11 years experience in the Champions League, chose to award Sterling a yellow card for simulation.

Raheem Sterling appeared to have been tripped by Barcelona's Samuel Umtiti on Wednesday
Raheem Sterling appeared to have been tripped by Barcelona's Samuel Umtiti on Wednesday
The England international was just inside the penalty area when Umtiti got close to him
The England international was just inside the penalty area when Umtiti got close to him
Sterling attempted to step outside of the defender but went down inside the area
Sterling attempted to step outside of the defender but went down inside the area
He was propelled into the air but despite appeals a penalty wasn't awarded by the referee
He was propelled into the air but despite appeals a penalty wasn't awarded by the referee
BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand questioned the referee's decision not to give a penalty
BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand questioned the referee's decision not to give a penalty

The England international looked bemused but had no choice other than to return to his feet and carry on playing in the Group C fixture.

See full article at Daily Mail