Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association (FA) following remarks he made about refereeing decisions in the recent 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Incident
Rodri was left furious after Dominic Solanke’s opening goal was allowed to stand, despite appearing to kick through the back of Marc Guehi’s leg. Speaking after the match, the Spain international claimed the decision was “not fair,” adding:
“I know we win too much and people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral. It’s not fair because we work so hard. When everything is finished, you are frustrated.”
Solanke later scored a spectacular scorpion-kick second goal, but Rodri insisted the first strike was the turning point of the game. He also suggested a pattern of poor officiating in recent matches:
“It’s one game and another game and another game – and it’s not possible. Honestly, I never speak about referees, I respect their job massively. But they have to pay attention to these things.”
FA’s Response
The FA stated that Rodri had “acted in an improper manner during a post-match media interview by making comments that imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official.” He has until February 18 to respond to the charge.
If found guilty, Rodri could face a suspension – a major setback for City’s title challenge. The situation echoes Jurgen Klopp’s two-match ban in 2023 after alleging referee Paul Tierney had “something against” Liverpool.
Guardiola’s Take
City manager Pep Guardiola offered a more measured response but still questioned the decision:
“If a central defender does that to a striker, it’s a penalty, right?”