Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has criticised the decision of referee Mark Clattenburg to allow a first-half goal to Stoke City.
The striker handled the ball on two occasions before slotting home in the 15th minute at the Britannia Stadium before City responded through debutant Javi Garcia 20 minutes later.
The goal should not have been allowed and Mancini was unhappy when quizzed on the decision at the after-match.
"If you want to talk about their first goal, we will talk about it," Mancini told Sky Sports.
"It was not football, it was basketball. I don't know how it's possible the referee didn't see it."
But Mancini admitted that the contest was made tough by a determined Stoke outfit who created a tricky afternoon for the reigning champions.
"It was difficult because we know this every year," he added.
"This time it was also difficult because we came here after the international break. For this reason it was more difficult.
"This is normal every year for all the teams, it is difficult to play here."
