Refs must protect City players, demands Silva

Bernardo Silva believes Manchester City are being unfairly targeted for some rough treatment by opponents.

City players have been on the receiving end of a series of bad tackles over the past two months and manager Pep Guardiola has repeated a call for referees to offer better protection several times.

The controversy continued on Wednesday as Brahim Diaz was caught by a high, studs-up challenge by Matt Phillips late in City’s 3-0 win over West Brom at the Etihad Stadium.