Topics: Chelsea, FA Cup, Leicester City, Raheem Sterling, Fan Reactions
Raheem Sterling should have let Cole Palmer take Chelsea's first-half penalty in their FA Cup clash against Leicester City, according to many fans on social media.
Mauricio Pochettino's side looked set to double their lead in the 26th minute of Sunday's quarter-final after Abdul Fatawu brought down Sterling in the area with a rash challenge from behind.
Sterling, who struggled throughout the opening stages on Sunday, stepped up to the take the spot-kick, which raised eyebrows amongst some supporters considering Cole Palmer's recent record from 12 yards.
And the England international missed with a tame effort as Jakub Stolarczyk guessed the right way.
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Here's how fans on social media reacted to the miss.
One said: "Sterling misses the pen. He should have left that to Palmer. What a poor penalty."
A second commented: "Utterly bizarre decision to give Sterling the penalty when Palmer is on the pitch."
A third wrote: "How is Sterling taking the penalty when Palmer is on? Has missed a big chance, blocked his own team mate's shot and now scuffed what would have been 2-0 via Palmer. Sub him off now and I would have ZERO complaints."
A fourth said: "Another example of Chelsea's lack of leadership/game management. Why was Sterling allowed to take the penalty over Palmer."
A fifth added: "WHY IS STERLING TAKING THAT PENALTY? Cole is the penalty taker."
Mauricio Pochettino has previously revealed that Chelsea do not have a designated penalty taker.
Back in October, after Palmer and Sterling argued over taking a spot-kick in their clash against Arsenal, he said: "There are a few players who can take the penalty. It’s about their feelings.
"As a coaching staff we give them the responsibility to decide on the pitch."
He added: “It’s not only one player, that this player is going to be in charge. It shows that Cole was ready to take the two penalties he took.
"Normally it is going to be him if he is on the pitch. But if not I’d be happy with Raheem, with Nico (Jackson).
"For me the most important thing is to have the decision and the personality to go.”
