Man City’s Rodri fined £80,000 for referee comments

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been fined £80,000 by the Football Association (FA) for comments he made questioning the neutrality of referee Robert Jones following City’s 2-2 Premier League draw at Tottenham Hotspur on February 1.

The Spain international admitted a charge of acting in an improper manner during a post-match media interview, where he suggested bias by match officials. The FA confirmed the sanction on Tuesday, stating that Rodri’s remarks “imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official and/or match officials.”

Rodri’s frustration stemmed from referee Jones’ decision to allow Dominic Solanke’s equalising goal to stand, despite appearing to kick through the leg of City defender Marc Guehi in the build-up.

Speaking to the media after the game, Rodri said: “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.”

The comments sparked controversy and prompted a formal FA charge. Rodri accepted the misconduct allegation, avoiding a longer disciplinary process or potential ban.

The £80,000 fine is the latest in a series of punishments handed to players for criticising referees in post-match interviews. The FA has consistently warned that questioning the integrity or impartiality of officials undermines the game and will not be tolerated.