Rodri Charged by FA Over Referee Comments After Tottenham Draw

FA takes action against Rodri for 'neutral' referee remark

Manchester City midfielder Rodri charged by the FA for criticizing referee's decision in Tottenham draw. The FA has charged him with misconduct over his comments on referee neutrality.

“I know we won too much, and the people don't want us to win...”

Manchester City's Rodri is facing potential disciplinary action from the Football Association (FA) after criticizing referee Robert Jones' decision to allow Dominic Solanke's goal in their 2-2 draw with Tottenham on February 1. Rodri claimed the referee “has to be neutral” and expressed frustration over the perceived unfairness, stating, “I know we won too much and the people don't want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral.”

The FA has charged Rodri with misconduct, alleging he acted improperly by questioning the integrity of match officials. He has until February 18 to respond to the charge, with a potential suspension looming if found guilty. This incident follows a string of contentious decisions against City, including denied penalties and disallowed goals.

Rodri has been charged by the FA with misconduct in relation to comments made towards match officials after Man City's 2-2 draw against Spurs. pic.twitter.com/t7rDGGx5J8

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 13, 2026

Manchester City's manager, Pep Guardiola, believes Dominic Solanke's goal for Tottenham should have been disallowed because Solanke kicked the back of City defender Marc Guehi's leg while scoring. Guardiola argued that if a central defender did that to a striker, it would be a penalty. The referee and VAR allowed the goal to stand, sparking controversy.

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

“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.

Rodri has until February 18 to respond to the FA's misconduct charge, with a potential suspension looming if found guilty. This could be a major blow to Manchester City, who trail Premier League leaders Arsenal by four points.

If suspended, City would miss Rodri's services in crucial matches, impacting their title chances. In a similar case, Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp was banned for one match in 2023 for criticizing a referee's decision.