Manchester City star Pablo Zabaleta has revealed that he did not complain to referee Andre Marriner about a penalty claim against Burnley because of the furore that surrounded the Chelsea players following their Champions League exit.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic branded the Blues as "babies" after almost the entire team surrounded the referee in a bid to get the Swede sent off in last week's 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
On Saturday, Zabaleta was denied a penalty at Turf Moor in the dying minutes of the game, which eventually ended in a 1-0 defeat to Burnley for the reigning Premier League champions.
"I didn't say anything to the referee," the Manchester Evening News quotes Zabaleta as saying. "People have talked about the way Chelsea players complained over Ibrahimovic - it's something in England people don't like it. I just try to respect the decision of the referee.
"I didn't say anything to him. After the game I just went to the dressing room very upset because I think it was a penalty."
The result has hampered City's title charge as they now reside six points below leaders Chelsea, while Arsenal sit just one point behind in third.
Danielle Joynson
