Toure is hoping for some ref justice

YAYA Toure hopes to get a better deal from the referee as Manchester City turn their attention to Thursday's crucial derby against Manchester United.

And the City midfielder has even claimed it would be better to play without an official in light of the controversy surrounding Sunday's FA Cup semi-final loss to Arsenal.

City had what seemed a good first-half goal from Sergio Aguero disallowed before losing 2-1 after extra-time at Wembley.

Referee Craig Pawson chalked off the strike because his assistant deemed Leroy Sane's cross to the Argentinian to have drifted out of play before reaching the striker.

Replays indicated the decision was wrong while Aguero also thought he was denied a penalty.

City now need to pick themselves up quickly for a midweek clash that could have a huge bearing in the race for top four places in the Premier League.

Toure said: "I think the referees have to stop this. I am very disappointed. It is not the first time, there have been a couple of times.

"If we have to talk about referees, people are going to say 'we complain' but when we see the highlights, for me it is very disappointing. Maybe on Thursday we are going to have a better referee or maybe play without a referee - I'd prefer that."

For the first time in Pep Guardiola's managerial career, the City boss now seems likely to end a season without silverware.

Champions League qualification is now essential to prevent the campaign being viewed as a complete failure and the stakes are high for Thursday's clash at the Etihad Stadium. City are fourth, with United just a point behind.

Toure said: "It is going to be difficult. United are doing well, Arsenal are going to have confidence and Liverpool lost, but it is not finished yet."