Rodri charged by FA over referee comments after Spurs draw

By Akpo ESCO

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been charged by the Football Association with misconduct for comments made after City’s 2-2 Premier League draw at Tottenham on 1 February. 

The FA alleges he acted improperly by implying bias and questioning the integrity of match officials, breaching FA Rule 3.1.

Rodri told reporters “I know we won too much and the people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral,” after Spurs’ comeback—angered by referee Robert Jones allowing Dominic Solanke’s 53rd-minute goal despite City’s claim that Solanke kicked defender Marc Guehi’s leg in the build-up. 

VAR checked and upheld the goal; Solanke scored again to level.

The FA statement issued Friday gives Rodri until Wednesday 18 February to respond; an independent panel will decide any sanction, with a suspension possible.