Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has said he believes he and his team-mates are being targeted by opposition players and should be offered more protection from referees.

City pair Kevin De Bruyne and Brahim Diaz were both subjected to brutal challenges in the 3-0 win over West Brom, as was Leroy Sane – who suffered ligament damage in his ankle – last week in the FA Cup victory over Cardiff City.

Bernardo Silva believes it is no coincidence.

“It’s clear that over the last few months, we’ve seen with Leroy it was a terrible accident and now he’s injured for two months – a very important player.” he said when asked about the challenges during the mid-week game.

“Against West Brom it could have been Brahim, and it could have been Kevin on the second goal.

“The referees have to do their job and if it’s a red card they have to give the red card. They are not doing that over the last few months.”

Pep Guardiola has also recently asked referees to offer his players more protection, and Silva has backed his manager’s statements.

“We hope that soon they start protecting our players because the way other teams are tackling our players it’s not part of the game, it’s not fair play and they have to try to punish the players that play this way.”