The Football Association has charged Manchester City midfielder Rodri with misconduct following comments he made about the officiating in his side’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month, leaving the Ballon d’Or winner facing the prospect of an immediate suspension.
The Spain international was incensed after referee Robert Jones allowed Dominic Solanke’s first goal to stand during the February 1 encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Rodri believed the strike should have been disallowed for a foul, with the Spurs forward appearing to kick through the leg of City defender Marc Guehi in the act of scoring.
In a post-match interview with Australian broadcaster Stan Sport, Rodri did not hold back his frustration. “I know we won too much and the people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral,” the 29-year-old said. “It’s not fair because we work so hard in these situations and now to make these decisions, we have to move on”.
The FA announced the charge on Friday, alleging that the midfielder’s remarks constituted improper conduct.
A statement from the governing body read: “It’s alleged that the midfielder 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 and/or match officials, contrary to FA Rule 3.1”.
Rodri has until Wednesday, February 18, to respond to the charge. Should he be found guilty, the governing body could impose a suspension, citing a precedent from 2023 when then-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp received a touchline ban after suggesting referee Paul Tierney had “something against” his side.
The timing of the potential ban could prove critical for Manchester City’s pursuit of Premier League leaders Arsenal. Pep Guardiola’s side currently sit four points adrift at the top of the table, and losing their influential midfield linchpin for any period would represent a significant blow to their title aspirations.
In his extended remarks following the Tottenham match, Rodri emphasized what he perceived as a pattern of questionable decisions against his team. “It’s one game and another game and another game – and it’s not possible,” he added.
“Honestly, I never speak about referees, I respect their job massively. But they have to pay attention to these things. He (Solanke) kicked the leg, it’s so clear… It’s two, three games in a row and I don’t know why”
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMO) has reportedly pushed for strong action against players to ensure respect for officials, placing additional pressure on the FA to address Rodri’s comments decisively.