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By John Ogunsemore
Manchester City midfielder, Rodri has been fined £80,000 ($107,000) by the English Football Association (FA) for comments he made criticising a referee following his team’s 2-2 Premier League draw against Tottenham Hotspur on February 1.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner was charged with misconduct after a post-match interview where he accused referee Robert Jones of lacking neutrality during the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The 29-year-old Spanish international was annoyed that Dominic Solanke’s goal was allowed to stand after he appeared to kick through the leg of City defender Marc Guehi.
Rodri stated, “I know we won too much and the 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.”
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The FA alleged Rodri’s remarks implied bias and questioned the integrity of the match official, contravening FA Rule E3.1.
An independent regulatory commission sanctioned him by imposing the fine and a warning about future conduct, but he avoided a suspension.
The commission was “unanimous” in its view that the threshold had not been met for a suspension to be imposed on the player.
It also considered his swift apology and the fact that English is not his first language in determining the penalty.
Manchester City, who are hot on the heels of league leaders Arsenal, will be relieved that Rodri remains available for selection, as he has been a key player in their recent successes.
