Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been charged by the English Football Association following his comments about referees needing to be “neutral” after a controversial match against Tottenham.
Rodri was furious with referee Robert Jones’ decision to allow Dominic Solanke’s goal during City’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham in the Premier League on February 1. He believed the goal should have been disallowed as Solanke kicked the back of City’s defender Marc Guehi’s leg while scoring.
“I know we win a lot and people may not want us to win, but the referee must be neutral,” Rodri told an Australian broadcaster after Tottenham came back from two goals down.
“It’s not fair because we work so hard. When everything is over, you feel frustrated.”
The FA announced
on Friday that the 29-year-old has been charged with misconduct over his remarks.
“It’s alleged that the midfielder acted improperly during a post-match media interview by making comments that suggest bias and/or question the integrity of a match official or officials, contrary to FA Rule 3.1,” an FA statement said.
Rodri has until February 18 to respond to the charge, with the possibility of a suspension if found guilty. This would significantly impact City’s efforts to close the four-point gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
In 2023, then Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp received a touchline ban after suggesting referee Paul Tierney had “something against” his team.
(With Inputs From Agencies)
