Raheem Sterling clashed with Colombia’s assistant coach (Picture: ITV)
Raheem Sterling clashed with one of Colombia’s assistant coaches during England’s World Cup last 16 tie.
Gareth Southgate’s side largely controlled a first half which ended in controversial fashion as Wilmar Barrios avoided a red card, despite aiming a head butt at Jordan Henderson.
The game grew increasingly tetchy, with Sterling one of several England players subjected to roughhouse treatment from an imposing Colombia side.
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Sterling pleaded with referee Mark Geiger to book Yiri Mina just before half time with the Barcelona centre-half appearing to prevent the Manchester City forward’s run into the penalty area by grabbing his shirt.
As the players made for the tunnel after the half time whistle, one of Colombia’s coaches attempted to block Sterling’s path and dropped his shoulder in the direction of the 23-year-old’s chest.
Raheem Sterling was singled out for physical treatment from Colombia’s defence (Picture: Getty)
Whether you love him Or hate him (football wise), it's time to defend #Sterling now. It's gettin rediculous how much people are targeting him! #WorldCup #COLENG pic.twitter.com/8WGnjYkASV — Football Banter Show (@Foot8all_banter) July 3, 2018
Sterling exchanged words with the aggressor before being told to leave the pitch by Geiger.
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Gary Neville was unimpressed by Colombia’s physical approach and told ITV that England needed to maintain their composure in the second half and avoid reacting to Colombia’s provocation.
He said: ‘You can tell with what happened with the players going off at half time with the coach it tells you what type of game Colombia like.
‘They want it to be stop start they want there to be no flow to it. England have to make sure they keep the ball in play.’