Manchester City’s Rodri has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association after questioning referee Robert Jones’s neutrality following the club’s 2-2 draw at Tottenham. The Spain international faces accusations of implying bias and questioning match official integrity. According to Bbc.com.
Rodri charged by FA over post-match referee neutrality comments at Tottenham
The 29-year-old midfielder’s charge stems from his post-match interview following City’s draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 1 February. Rodri expressed frustration after Dominic Solanke’s controversial goal was allowed to stand, despite the Spurs forward appearing to kick through Marc Guehi’s leg during the build-up.
“I know we won too much and the people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral,” Rodri told broadcasters after the match. The Spain international added: “It’s not fair because we work so hard. When everything is finished, you are frustrated.”
The FA has accused Rodri of acting in an “improper manner” by making comments that “imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official”. While the governing body did not specify the exact comments, Rodri directly accused referee Robert Jones of not being neutral. He has until 18 February to respond to the charge.
City had established a commanding 2-0 half-time lead before Solanke’s disputed 53rd-minute strike sparked Tottenham’s comeback. The forward then completed the turnaround with 20 minutes remaining, leaving Rodri to claim the controversial first goal had potentially altered the match outcome.
The midfielder suggested City had repeatedly suffered from poor officiating decisions this campaign, where they currently sit second in the Premier League table. “It’s one game and another game and another game – and it’s not possible,” Rodri stated, while insisting he normally respects referees but believes “they have to pay attention to these things.”
