Richard Keys Makes Outrageous Raheem Sterling Penalty Claim After He Sets A New Premier League Record

Richard Keys has received massive backlash for insinuating Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling wins his penalties by diving.

Sterling won a 23rd penalty of his career on Tuesday night during City's 2-0 win over Brentford.

Mads Roerslev hauled Sterling down in the box and it means the England international holds the record for most penalties won in Premier League history.

Former Sky Sports anchor Keys aimed a dig at Sterling on Twitter while also saying referees need to notice what's going on.

He vented: "Raheem Sterling has now 'won' 26 penalties during his PL career - plus a few in an England jersey. That’s more than any other player during the same period. Draw your own conclusions. I hope officials do soon."

No player has won more penalties than Sterling since his debut for Liverpool in 2012 but that's down to a number of factors.

Sterling has always played under an attacking manager at club level and it naturally means he's used to dominating possession in the opponent's half.

The 27-year-old has a knack for making dangerous runs into the box and finds himself brought down regularly.

Fans have defended Sterling's penalty record and hit back at Keys.

One replied: "Sterling has played 310 games, so on average it’s a penalty every 11 games… hardly prolific. He runs at pace over 5-10yrs better then most, which leads to defenders mis-timing tackles, its a non story…"

Another explained: "Probably played more games than most during that period for team that attacks more than most."

While a third put: "I am United fan, and I can confidently say if anything Raheem Sterling deserved more penalties in his career that were wrongfully not given."

Mahrez stepped up to score from the spot just before half-time and Kevin De Bruyne added a second after a mistake from David Raya in the Bees net.

City boss Pep Guardiola praised Brentford for making it a contest, especially in the first half.

"It was a really tough game," Guardiola admitted. "They defended with high pressing man to man and when you break this press they defend so deep and compact, there are no spaces.

"We had to be patient, make no mistakes. Thanks to good movement from John Stones to break the lines and a good action from Raheem for the penalty, then the second half was much better."

City's win means they now sit 12 points clear of second place Liverpool.