Raheem Sterling booed by Chelsea fans for horror free-kick as Martin Keown slams ‘ridiculous’ decision in FA Cup clash

RAHEEM STERLING was booed by Chelsea fans after blazing a free-kick high and wide of the goal against Leicester.

The Blues had been gifted a chance to retake the lead in their FA Cup clash at Stamford Bridge.

Reuters

Raheem Sterling was booed after blazing his free-kick high and wide of the target[/caption]

Rex

Martin Keown slammed the ‘ridiculous’ decision to have Sterling take the free-kick[/caption]

After a VAR review saw Leicester’s Callum Doyle sent off, Chelsea were awarded a free-kick right on the edge of the penalty area.

With Sterling and Cole Palmer both over the ball, the former fired his effort into the stands after a long run up.

His effort was met with boos from the home fans, with BBC commentator Martin Keown left in shock by Sterling’s decision to take the set-piece.

The ex-Arsenal defender said: “Do you know that kind of says everything about the Chelsea performance today because we’ve got Palmer there.

“You’re waiting for Cole Palmer to maybe hit this into the back of the net and then we see this. That’s a ridiculous effort isn’t it.

“Obviously Sterling is doing his best there but Cole Palmer has to take that free-kick, end of.”

Sterling appeared to be booed again moments later as Mauricio Pochettino withdrew Mykhailo Mudryk instead.

A smattering of jeers could then be heard when he was taken off during the closing stages.

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However, Sterling was ultimately applauded off by the crowd as Noni Madueke took his place.

The 29-year-old had earlier missed the chance to double Chelsea’s lead when his tame penalty was saved by Jakub Stolarczyk.

He appeared to take the ball off regular taker Palmer after being fouled for the spot-kick.

Speaking at half-time, former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink fumed: “Palmer is the penalty taker. I used to be a penalty taker. At 1-0 up I’m not giving it away.

“I think as a team, Gallagher as a captain has to go to Sterling and say no. Palmer’s scored all five. He needs to take it.”

Chelsea were later pegged back after a horror own goal from Axel Disasi and a Stephy Mavididi strike.

However, substitutes Carney Chukwuemeka and Madueke both scored in stoppage time winner to book Chelsea’s place in the semi-finals.

PA

Sterling had a penalty saved during the first half against Leicester[/caption]