Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan insists they won't be kicked off the pitch this season.

Pep Guardiola and Raheem Sterling have both spoken out about the brutal treatment the Premier League leaders have received from bully boys in recent weeks.

"Maybe it's because of our performances this season, maybe it's just our subjective perception," he told BILD.

"In the end, in football there is one man on the pitch who is judging all of this.

"I believe they (referees) could have sent off more players in recent matches, but it did not happen.

"We do not complain but put up with it, even though it is bitter that injuries like Leroy Sane's result from it."