Raheem Sterling Arsenal
(Credit TNT Sports)
Keith Hackett
Thu 13 March 2025 6:45, UK
Raheem Sterling was lucky not to be sent off as Arsenal completed their Champions League round of 16 win over PSV Eindhoven, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the on-loan Chelsea winger endangered the safety of Johan Bakayoko with a stoppage time challenge.
It has been a difficult period for the England international since he moved to the Emirates Stadium on loan in the summer, and he has struggled for game time in Mikel Arteta‘s side.
That has led to claims that Sterling will be devastated by his situation at Arsenal. But with the Gunners 7-1 up from the first leg of this tie, he was handed a rare start in the second leg on Wednesday (12 March).
Keith Hackett on potential Raheem Sterling red card for Arsenal
Keith Hackett has hit out at a Raheem Sterling challenge
Raheem Sterling avoids late dismissal vs PSV
Having been restored to the starting XI, Sterling produced an outstanding performance for Arsenal against PSV.
As the two sides played out a 2-2 draw, Sterling’s best moment came with an excellent assist for Declan Rice to put the Gunners 2-1 in the match, after he had also laid off Oleksandr Zinchenko for the opener.
Raheem Sterling vs PSV Total (as per SofaScore)
Assists 2
Shots on Target 2
Shots off Target 0
Successful Passes 20/23
Duels Won 5/9
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
However, his night did have a sour note at the end, when the winger was booked after sliding in on Bakayoko with his studs catching the PSV attacker’s ankles as he looked to break forward.
That yellow card means the on-loan Chelsea man will be suspended for Arsenal when they take on Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter final next month.
Hackett though, believes the 30-year-old was fortunate not to receive an even heavier punishment for that foul on the night.
‘Arsenal lucky not to end Champions League clash with ten men’ – Keith Hackett
After being asked by Football Insider if Sterling could have been sent off for this challenge, the former referee said:
“Frankly this challenge deserved a red card. He uses excessive force and endangers the safety of his opponent. This is a red card and he is lucky that the referee took a lenient approach.”
Sterling will also be ineligible for Arsenal on Sunday (16 March) when they host his parent club Chelsea in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium, in their final game before the international break.
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