There’s awful penalty calls, and then there’s this.
Man City host Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League this evening, with Pep Guardiola’s boys aiming to top Group F with a win.
And considering their leading 2-0 at half-time, things are looking pretty good for them.
But their second goal will go down as one of the more controversial moments in Europe this season.
Reuters Steady on[/caption]
On the 24th minute, Raheem Sterling was racing into the opposition box when he managed to get his feet all in a muddle.
Tripping on the turf, the England winger fell to the floor in dramatic style, with Shakhtar right-back Mykola Matviyenko the closest man to him.
But it seems the referee thought Matviyenko somehow clipped Sterling, as he instantly awarded a penalty to City.
Take a look for yourself.
THAT IS A SHOCKER!
Raheem Sterling trips on the turf, unopposed and the referee awards a penalty kick. 
pic.twitter.com/vdCDsw8Qsf
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 7, 2018
Honestly, it’s one of the most ridiculous – but hilarious – refereeing calls we’ve seen for a while.
Even Shakhtar goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov saw the funny side, and could be seen laughing his head off at the decision.
When play resumed, Gabriel Jesus stepped up to take the spot-kick, sending Pyatov the wrong way to net his first goal since September. He looked mightily relieved.
We should add that Sterling certainly didn’t dive, as he simply kicked the turf when he meant to kick the ball.
An embarrassing moment, for both Sterling and the referee.
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