Stoke in for a slaughtering

Martin Demichelis (left) getting his marching orders from referee Jonas Eriksson after bringing down Lionel Messi in the Man City-Barcelona Champions League match. – EPA Photo

MANCHESTER City’s bid for a Champions League quarter-final spot lies in tatters after Barcelona won convincingly at the Etihad on Tuesday. However, it should be noted, with some justification that much of it had to do with the referee Jonas Eriksson.

The Swedish official made a hash of letting a foul on Jesus Navas go unpunished just moments before he signalled for a “penalty” when Martin Demichelis brought Lionel Messi down outside the box. Television replays clearly show that the two Argentinians tangled outside the area before the momentum had them fall into it.