Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been fined £80,000 by the Football Association following comments he made about the referee after his team’s Premier League draw against Tottenham last month.
The Spanish international was charged after criticizing referee Robert Jones in a post-match interview following City’s 2–2 draw on 1 February. Rodri suggested that the official had not been “neutral” during the match, a remark that later drew disciplinary action from the FA.
The governing body confirmed that Rodri admitted the charge against him. According to the FA, he “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.”
Rodri’s frustration stemmed from a controversial moment during the match involving Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke. The forward’s goal was allowed to stand despite appearing to kick through the leg of Manchester City defender Marc Guehi during the build-up. The decision angered City players and contributed to Rodri’s strong remarks after the final whistle.
Speaking shortly after the match, Rodri expressed his disappointment with the officiating. “I know we won too much and the people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral,” he said. “It’s not fair because we work so hard. When everything is finished, you are frustrated.”
Following the charge, Rodri submitted two letters as part of his response to the FA’s regulatory commission. In the first, he argued that his words had been misunderstood by some media outlets. However, in the second letter he acknowledged that his comments were inappropriate and did not meet the standards expected of professional players.
“I wish to make clear that I did not intend to imply bias or question the integrity of the match officials,” Rodri wrote in the second letter. “I have always had, and continue to have, great respect for referees and the difficult job they undertake in a fast-moving and highly pressured environment.”
He also admitted that the remarks were made in the heat of the moment after a disappointing result.
“My comments were made in a moment of frustration after a disappointing result,” he explained. “Upon reflection, I recognise that the words I used were poorly chosen and capable of being interpreted in a way that I did not intend.”
Despite the fine, the FA’s regulatory commission unanimously decided that the situation did not warrant a playing suspension. As a result, Rodri will remain available for Manchester City’s upcoming matches while serving the financial penalty.
