Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Raheem Sterling penalty: Man City star APOLOGISES for controversial moment in Donetsk win
RAHEEM STERLING has apologised for the controversial penalty incident in Manchester City’s win over Shakhtar Donetsk.
Manchester City brushed aside Donetsk 6-0 in the Champions League and barely broke sweat.
Gabriel Jesus took the plaudits after scoring a hat-trick, while David Silva, Sterling and Riyad Mahrez all got on the scoresheet.
Sterling, however, was at the centre of a contentious moment when he fell over as he kicked the ground under no challenge.
But the England international has revealed he is sorry for what happened.
“I went to chip the ball and don't know what happened,” Sterling said.
“I didn't feel contact. I scuffed the ball. Apologies to the ref."
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has admitted City should have been awarded a spot-kick.
He said: “We realised it wasn't a penalty.
I didn't feel contact. I scuffed the ball. Apologies to the ref
“After being asked if Sterling could have told the referee, Raheem could have told the referee.
“We don't like to score in that situation.
"You know VAR and what it is - the referee must be helped because they don't want to make mistakes.
"The game is so fast these days. It takes 10 seconds for somebody to say something to the referee.
Pep Guardiola reacts to Raheem Sterling penalty
"Would you tell a player to pass the ball to the keeper?
“A coach would never say that. But I'm young, I will learn."
City take on Manchester United in the Manchester derby on Sunday (4.30pm).