Maybe we should play with no fans – Guardiola bemused by Sterling sending off

Pep Guardiola was left baffled by the officiating in Manchester City’s dramatic 2-1 Premier League win over Bournemouth on Saturday, criticising Raheem Sterling’s sending off and asking why Nathan Ake was not dismissed in the first half.

City had to dig deep to secure a last-gasp victory at the Vitality Stadium after falling behind to Charlie Daniels’ stunning opener, with Gabriel Jesus levelling things up.

But Sterling stole the headlines in the seventh minute of stoppage time as his deflected effort beat the helpless Asmir Begovic to spark excited celebrations among the visiting supporters.

Referee Mike Dean then showed the winger a second yellow card for inciting fan encroachment, leaving Guardiola confused.

WHAT A MOMENT. pic.twitter.com/NIcEPbYtSQ

— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 26, 2017

The Spaniard told Sky Sports: “I don’t understand, maybe someone can call me and explain. I don’t understand.

“He went there to celebrate, then he came back, so I don’t know what happened. I would like to know because now Raheem won’t be able to play against Liverpool.

“We cannot celebrate our feelings with our fans? Tell me the reason why. Maybe we should play with no fans.”

Guardiola was also irritated by Dean’s refusal to dismiss Ake in the first half, when he tripped Jesus with the Brazilian through on goal.

When asked if the former Chelsea man should have been sent off, he said: “Definitely, and I’m saying that after winning.

“If we lost, I would say nothing about it, but after winning I can say that he was the last man, it was a clear chance and we would’ve had 11 men against 10.”