FA Cup: Why Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling is under fire

England star and Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling has been criticised 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 spurred comments from former Arsenal player Martin Keown as the penalty kick was saved.

The Blues forward later took control of a close-range free kick in the second half, which he missed.

Keown in a comment via BBC Sport commentary 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 mentioned 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.