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'Protect all the players, please' - Guardiola issues plea to referees after De Bruyne injury

Pep Guardiola urged referees to give better protection to all Premier League players after Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne escaped a serious injury from a crude Jason Puncheon tackle on Sunday.

City were looking to catch Crystal Palace on the break late on in Sunday's 0-0 draw, with Ederson saving a Luka Milivojevic penalty just a few moments earlier.

De Bruyne released the ball midway through the City half and was caught late by a very strong tackle from Puncheon, who injured himself in the process.

The Belgium international was initially carried off the pitch on a stretcher with his leg in a brace, but he was soon seen ambling down the touchline with the support of City's medical staff.