Inconsistency irks Vieira

As an ambassador for the club, the former Arsenal and City midfielder is reluctant to suggest that match officials bear a grudge against the Blues.

He is, however, of the opinion that too many debatable decisions have gone against City in recent weeks for them to just brush off the issue.

Vieira admits those inside the Etihad Stadium have been left angered by the recent spate of what they see as bad decisions, with their efforts to land the Premier League crown being undermined by outside interference.

"I don't want to say that everyone is against City but when you look at the last few decisions, you are asking yourself if something is wrong here, if people don't want us to win the league," said the former France international.

"It felt like that anything City do will be amplified and we get punished, compared to the other teams and the other players.

Frustrated

"I don't want to say that everyone is against City but when you look at the last few decisions, you are asking yourself if something is wrong here, if people don't want us to win the league."
Patrick Vieira Quotes of the week

"We are trying our best to win the league and we accept our punishment.

"But when you look what is happening to the other clubs, it makes us really frustrated."

Vieira feels City need to stand up for themselves over this matter, but concedes that inconsistency among the refereeing fraternity is an issue which is likely to leave all clubs feeling aggrieved at some stage in the season.

"Confusion is really dangerous, especially for the referee and the refereeing body," he said.

"They have to be very careful about how they deal with some of the situations.

"A referee has to make a decision he thinks is right. But a good referee is someone who referees with his personality and with common sense, to make the decision that he thinks is right at the moment, not because he is afraid of the consequences - that is not good."