Manchester City ask to meet PGMOL to discuss lack of player protection

Manchester City have written to Mike Riley, head of professional referees organisation PGMOL, to request a meeting regarding some of the tackles their players have suffered in recent weeks.

City are unhappy with a series of challenges opponents have made on their players, some of which have resulted in injury.

Leroy Sane is currently recovering from the ankle injury he sustained as a result of a Joe Bennett challenge during City's FA Cup win against Cardiff in January.

Bennett only received a yellow card for the late tackle, although he was later sent off after receiving a second booking for a separate incident.

Furthermore, Phil Foden only returned to training this week after suffering an injury during a match against Leicester in December.

Pep Guardiola has called for protection for players from referees. As well as the injuries to Sane and Foden, City have pointed to tackles on Kevin De Bruyne, Brahim Diaz and Ilkay Gundogan - none of which resulted in red cards - which they felt to be excessive.

As well as airing their grievances, City also want to discuss retrospective punishment for tackles that are felt to have been incorrectly dealt with on the pitch.