Rodri Fined for Comments on Referee's Neutrality After Tottenham Draw

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been fined £80,000 ($107,000) by the Football Association (FA) for comments made regarding referee Robert Jones after a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on February 1, 2026. Following the match, Rodri expressed frustration over a controversial goal scored by Dominic Solanke, which he believed should have been disallowed due to a foul on defender Marc Guéhi. The FA determined that Rodri's remarks implied bias and questioned the integrity of match officials, violating FA Rule E3.1.

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During the post-match interview, Rodri stated, “We’ve won too much and people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral. And for me, to be honest, it’s not fair.” He cited this incident as part of a pattern of perceived officiating errors affecting Manchester City, referencing prior matches where he felt similar mistakes were made, including a challenge by Manchester United's Diogo Dalot on Jérémy Doku and a disallowed goal by Antoine Semenyo in a Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

The Guardian

The FA's regulatory commission found that Rodri's comments did not warrant a suspension, concluding that the threshold for a playing sanction had not been met. Rodri admitted to the charge and expressed regret for his remarks, stating, “I fully accept that my words, as expressed, were inappropriate and fell below the standard expected of me as a professional player.” He emphasized his respect for referees and acknowledged that his comments were made in a moment of frustration.

Rodri escapes ban for referee comments but is fined and given warning

While Rodri's comments were met with scrutiny, the FA's decision to impose only a fine rather than a suspension has drawn mixed reactions. Critics argue that such comments could undermine the integrity of officiating in football, while supporters of Rodri contend that players should be allowed to express their frustrations without facing severe penalties.

Rodri escapes ban for referee comments but is fined and given warning

• “I know we won too much and the people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral,” — Rodri, Manchester City Midfielder

The Guardian

• “I fully accept that my words, as expressed, were inappropriate and fell below the standard expected of me as a professional player.” — Rodri

Man City handed Rodri ban decision amid Arsenal Premier League title race

• “It’s not fair because we work so hard. When everything is finished, you are frustrated. It’s one game and another game and another game – and it’s not possible. Honestly, I never speak about referees, I respect their job massively. But they have to pay attention to these things. He kicked the leg, it’s so clear. It’s two, three games in a row and I don’t know why.” — Rodri

The Guardian

Rodri will remain available for Manchester City's upcoming matches, including their Premier League title race against Arsenal. The incident highlights ongoing discussions about the treatment of referees and the standards expected of players in their public comments regarding officiating. The FA continues to emphasize the importance of maintaining respect for match officials in the sport.

Rodri escapes ban for referee comments but is fined and given warning