Boss is backing Raheem

PEP GUARDIOLA has told Raheem Sterling’s critics to get off his back.

The Manchester City and England star, 23, who has just signed a new three-and-a-half year contract, was accused of diving when awarded a “ghost” penalty against Shakhtar Dontesk on Wednesday night.

Sterling clearly dug up a divot in attempting to chip the keeper and Hungarian ref Viktor Kassai immediately pointed to the spot.

But Sterling came under fire on social media, with accusations that he fell too easily and should have owned up to the official.

Guardiola said: “People say he provoked a penalty. He didn’t do that. It was a bad decision from the referee.

“But it will make him stronger. He is stronger than he was when we met each other in the first year.”