Manchester City star midfielder, Rodri, could face a ban for his remarks after their 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on February 1. The FA (Football Association) has dropped a statement alleging misconduct against the Spanish.
Rodri to face ban?
The Cityzens locked horns with Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League on February 1. They performed well in the first half and led 2-0 via goals from Ryan Cherki and Antonine Semenyo. Dominic Solanke then scored for the home team in the 53rd minute after appearing to Kick Marc Guehi's leg first. However, the goal was given after a VAR check.
What happened in the game?
Solanke then scored a scorpion kick in the 70th minute to claim a 2-2 draw. Following the game, Rodri slammed the referees in an interview, saying, "referees have to be neutral." The FA has shared a statement about the incident, saying:
“It’s alleged that the midfielder 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, contrary to FA Rule 3.1. Rodri has until Wednesday, 18 February to provide a response.”
Manchester City, meanwhile, trail Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table by four points.
What Rodri said after the draw vs Tottenham Hotspur?
The Spanish player criticised the referees after VAR allowed Dominic Sloanke's goal to stand. Interestingly, this took place after Manchester City were on the receiving end of other controversial decisions against the teams like Manchester Unitedm Wolves and Newcastle United.
Following the game against Tottenham Hotspur, Rodri told Stan Sport:
"I know we won too much and the people don't want us to win but the referee has to be neutral and for me honestly, it's not fair. It's not fair because we work so hard in these situations and now to make these decisions, we have to move on."
"Of course you need to come back but at the end, when everything is finished, we are frustrated because it's so clear the foul. He kicked the leg and of course with the push of the action on the ball, the ball goes in. We have to pay attention to these little things otherwise it's going to be difficult for everyone because this league is like this -- it's about small details and everything counts, so I think today is a very tough day for us in this sense,” he added.
Rodri has been a pivotal figure for Manchester City over the last few years. He has played 21 games across all competitions this season amidst multiple injury concerns.
Manchester City will face Newcastle United at home in the Premier League game on February 21. The verdict on his ban or fine could be revealed by then.