I think fans of club teams often underestimate how much players like playing for their national sides. While we view international breaks as inconveniences the players for the most part enjoy being back with their national team teammates and friends and playing for their country.
I guess that means my answer is, no I don’t think there is a conspiracy in which city players are faking injuries to rest up for the PL
I don’t expect nor want apologies. Refereeing in general, across all sport… is random as hell. It’s inconsistent and for the most part it’s incompetent. But that’s human error. City got the short stick today but … and I’m sure everyone else knows this…and will say it… city have had a good share of favorable calls as well. Shit happens.