Raheem Sterling calls for protection and claims Man City stars could miss the World Cup if horror tackles continue

Raheem Sterling has claimed Manchester City stars are being ‘butchered’ by wild tackles and run the risk of missing the World Cup through injury.

Boss Pep Guardiola has been outspoken about the rough treatment dished out, with Kevin De Bruyne and Brahim Diaz targeted during Wednesday’s 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.

That came after Leroy Sane damaged ankle ligaments as a result of a brutal tackle from Cardiff City’s Joe Bennett three days before and Sterling believes losing teams are purposefully endangering them.

Raheem Sterling (left) calls for protection from horror tackles against Manchester City

Sterling believes players run the risk of missing the World Cup if they keep being ‘butchered’

‘Referees need to cut these tackles out,’ said the England forward. ‘Some players are getting butchered and it’s sad to see.

‘Teams are losing and just go out to kick players. We have a World Cup soon and it would be sad to see someone miss the tournament due to a silly tackle and someone get away with it.’

A City representative — likely to be director of football Txiki Begiristain — is set for a meeting with referees chief Mike Riley. Guardiola has urged officials to protect players but Sterling says that has fallen on deaf ears.

‘Some of the challenges have been awful,’ Sterling added.

‘These tackles can happen, but it can’t be every game we’re getting two players coming in with injuries.’