Rodri Fined £80 000 for Official Bias Allegations
Manchester City’s Rodri has been hit with an £80 000 fine and a formal warning following a Football Association (FA) investigation into his conduct.
The 29-year-old midfielder was charged with implying bias and questioning the integrity of referee Robert Jones after a 2-2 draw against Tottenham in February.
The Spain international’s frustration was sparked when a Dominic Solanke goal was allowed to stand despite an apparent foul on Marc Guehi. Following the match, Rodri told the media: “I know we won too much and the people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral.”
To avoid a match suspension, City’s legal team cited previous disciplinary cases involving managers such as Frank Lampard and Marco Silva. In written evidence, Rodri admitted his words were “inappropriate” but argued they were “poorly chosen” during a moment of high pressure.
He clarified that he was not accusing officials of partiality, but rather expressing frustration over a series of perceived errors in recent fixtures.
The FA regulatory commission ruled that while the comments were improper, a financial penalty was sufficient. Consequently, the Ballon d’Or winner remains available for selection as second-placed City attempt to close a seven-point gap on Arsenal.
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