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Manchester City 'compile dossier' over recent treatment of Raheem Sterling by officials

Premier League - Huddersfield Town v Manchester City
Raheem Sterling was denied a stonewall penalty when Manchester City beat Huddersfield, leaving City furious

Manchester City’s anger at the treatment of Raheem Sterling by officials has led them to compile a ‘dossier’ of incidents where they believe they should have been awarded penalties.

City are furious with recent decisions and believe Sterling’s unfair reputation as a ‘diver’ have led to a number of bad decisions.

Sterling was clearly fouled in the box by Huddersfield defender Terence Kongolo in City’s 3-0 victory on Sunday, only for Andre Marriner to wave away his claims.

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According to The Sun, this was the third incident in less than a month where Sterling has been denied a penalty, leaving City and Pep Guardiola furious.

The City winger was also fouled by Southampton defender Yann Valery in their clash at St Mary’s on December 30, while Andy Robertson grappled with him during the tense top-of-the-table clash at the Etihad on January 3.

Guardiola is said to be ‘puzzled and frustrated’ over recent decisions, with incidents from last season against West Ham and Liverpool in the Champions League also referenced.

Premier League - Huddersfield Town v Manchester City
The score was 0-0 when Andre Mariner waved away Sterling and City’s protests

One City ‘insider’ was quoted in The Sun as saying: “Obviously you get some, you don’t get others.

“But there have been three now in the space of three weeks which replays show to be stonewall penalties.

“It has left some people here scratching their heads. It seems that Raheem is being judged differently to everyone else.”

Arsene Wenger claimed in November 2017 that Sterling ‘dives well’, however there have been barely any occasions where that is evident.

City officials met with referees chief Mike Riley over a perceived lack of protection for their players last season and will watch games closely over the next few weeks.

Recent decisions have not cost Guardiola’s side any points, as they picked up victories over Saints, Liverpool and Huddersfield, but this season’s tight title race means any more poor decision could prove costly.