Manchester City were awarded a ridiculous penalty on Wednesday night in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk after Raheem Sterling's falling over in the box was somehow given as a foul.
Sunday League football has one official, that isn't just a substitute with a flag, most professional football has three officials, that aren't just guys holding a board with numbers on, and the Champions League has five decision making officials.
UEFA decided a while ago, when Michel Platini was in charge, that having the two extra officials behind the goal would improve the amount of decisions that were given correctly.
The European football body under Platini's rule really wasn't in favour of video technology but the World Cup last summer showed the way and it's inevitable that VAR will eventually come to the Champions League.
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On Wednesday night Manchester City's game with Shakhtar Donetsk proved it can't come soon enough as two of the officials somehow didn't spot that it was the ground that tripped Raheem Sterling and not an opposition player.
Honestly, this might be one of the worst decisions in the history of the Champions League:
There is literally daylight between the two players and there's no reason why one of the officials shouldn't have been able to spot that there was no trip.
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It's difficult not to feel a little sorry for the England winger too. He'll no doubt get some criticism for 'diving' but he seems just to trip after stubbing his toe on the ground and he's hardly going to stop the ref giving a penalty.
Gabriel Jesus scored from the spot to give the hosts a 2-0 lead.
Still at least City have a new controversy in the Champions League to focus on now.
Featured Image Credit:Topics:ย Manchester City, Football News, Premier League, Champions League, Penalty, Shakhtar Donetsk, Raheem Sterling
