Thomas Tuchel and football fans were left surprised as Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling avoided a red card for a challenge on Chelsea striker Timo Werner.

The City attacker took a heavy touch inside his own half and Werner tried to steal possession and begin a counter attack.

Sterling flew into a 50-50 challenge with his studs up and caught the German on the knee, who then rolled around in pain as the City man had an anxious look over to the referee.

Anthony Taylor showed a yellow card to the City No 7 and after a VAR check, the decision to stick with the on-field decision was made, much to the surprise of fans on social media.

After the match, Chelsea boss Tuchel said: “I think Raheem Sterling was lucky to be on the field after he had a huge foul on Timo Werner.”

One fan tweeted: ‘Obviously a red. 30 minutes later he would have given it. But refs are humans and he didn’t want to ruin a potentially decent game. Shame but true, they do it week in and week out. That’s why 70 of all cards are towards the end of games. Because it makes no difference.’

Another fan argued: ‘How’s VAR not given a red card here? I’ve seen reds given for less this season! Typical for Sterling to score the goal as well’

Someone else tweeted: ‘Raheem Sterling should’ve been given a red card by Anthony Taylor for this… Not the first time Anthony Taylor makes controversial decisions against Chelsea in big games.’