Manchester City have been on the wrong end of refereeing decision this season according to Ilkay Gundogan.

The midfielder of Turkish origin has criticised referees for not doing enough to protect City players.

Gundogan knows all about the dangers of injuries, having spent lengthy periods of time on the sidelines.

The Germany international’s comments follow City boss Pep Guardiola urging officials to do more to protect his players after a number of strong challenges.

Leroy Sane became the latest injury casualty after a late challenge from Cardiff defender Joe Bennett in the FA Cup last month.

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Gundogan told German publication Sport Bild: “Maybe it’s because of our performances this season, maybe it’s just our subjective perception.

“In the end, in football there is one man on the pitch who is judging all of this.

“I believe they [referees] could have sent off more players in recent matches, but it did not happen.

“We do not complain but put up with it, even though it is bitter that injuries like Leroy Sane’s result from it.”

Gundogan missed much of last season and the start of the current campaign with injury.

The 27-year-old has made a full recovery and now has 30 appearances in all competitions under his belt.

Gundogan will be available for City against Leicester City in the Premier League over the weekend.

The Citizens will be without Sane (ankle), Gabriel Jesus (knee), Fabian Delph, Benjamin Mendy (both knee) and Phil Foden (ankle) due to injury.