Manchester City's influential midfielder Rodri is confronting a potential suspension after being formally charged with misconduct by the Football Association. The charge stems from comments the Spanish international made in a post-match interview, where he allegedly questioned the integrity and neutrality of match officials.
The Incident and Allegations
The controversy erupted following Manchester City's 2-2 Premier League draw against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month. Rodri expressed significant frustration with the officiating, particularly regarding Tottenham's first goal. He claimed that a foul should have been awarded against Dominic Solanke for contact with City defender Marc Guehi before the ball crossed the line.
'He's kicked the leg - it's so clear,' Rodri stated. 'He anticipated Marc and it's a clear foul. But it's not today, it's two or three games in a row and I honestly don't know why.'
Charges of Bias and Improper Conduct
The FA's investigation focused on Rodri's suggestion that external factors were influencing decisions against Manchester City. 'I know we won too much and the people don't want us to win but the referee has to be neutral. For me it's not fair. It's not fair,' he added.
These remarks led the FA to charge Rodri with allegedly 'acting 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'. The player has until February 18 to formally respond to the charge.
Managerial Support and Historical Precedents
Rodri's manager, Pep Guardiola, also voiced his discontent with the officiating after the match. Guardiola suggested a double standard, implying that a similar incident involving a defender on an attacker would have resulted in a foul being called.
'It's happened, once again,' Guardiola remarked. 'Marc has the ball, he's been kicked from behind, and it's a goal. So what can I say? Nothing. One more. If you do it to a striker it would be a penalty. I'm not a referee. Fascinating in the Premier League.'
Potential Consequences and Past Cases
The severity of any potential punishment for Rodri remains uncertain. However, there are notable precedents involving Premier League managers:
- Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp received a two-match touchline ban and a £75,000 fine in 2023 for comments suggesting referee Paul Tierney 'had something against' his team. The FA deemed this a 'particularly serious' breach showing a 'very aggressive nature'.
- Fulham manager Marco Silva has also previously served a suspension for similar comments about officials, with past indiscretions taken into account by disciplinary commissions.
Rodri, who has no prior record of such offences, now awaits the FA's decision on his case. The outcome could significantly impact Manchester City's midfield dynamics, depending on the length of any potential ban.
