Rodri charged by FA over referee rant

Rodri, Manchester City midfield and one time ballon d’or winner, has been charged by the English Football Association after saying referees have to be “neutral” to Robert Jones in a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on February 1.

The 29-year-old midfielder felt Solanke’s goal shouldn’t have been allowed because he believes the Tottenham striker kicked the back of City defender Marc Guehi’s leg in the act of scoring.

“I know we won too much, and the people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral,” Rodri told an Australian broadcaster after Tottenham fought back from two goals down.

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“It’s not fair because we work so hard. When everything is finished, you are frustrated.”

The FA announced on Friday that the 29-year-old had been charged with misconduct over his remarks.

“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,” an FA statement said.

The midfielder has until February 18 to respond to the charge, with the potential for a suspension if he is found guilty.

That would be a major blow to City’s hopes of overhauling the four-point gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal.

In 2023, then Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was handed a touchline ban after suggesting referee Paul Tierney had “something against” his side.