England international Raheem Sterling has come under fire for taking the ball from Chelsea’s designated penalty taker, Cole Palmer, after the team was awarded a spot kick during the 4-2 FA Cup quarter final win over Leicester City.
Sterling’s action drew criticism from former Arsenal player Martin Keown.
The penalty kick was saved, and Sterling later took control of a close-range free kick in the second half, which he missed.
Keown, who was providing BBC Sport commentary for the game, did not agree with Sterling’s decision to overrule Palmer.
“That’s a ridiculous effort,” Keown said.
“Obviously Sterling is doing his best there but Cole Palmer has to take that, end of.”
Keown also pointed out that Sterling’s decision to take control could be detrimental to young players like Palmer.
“You saw that with Cole Palmer not taking the free kick then you go back to the penalty where Sterling takes it, here again now Sterling is calling rank on a very talented player, but he’s a young player,” Keown explained.
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