Rodri facing FA charges for explosive Man City rant after Tottenham draw | Football | Sport

Manchester City anchor man Rodri could be facing an FA charge and a potential suspension after implying that referees are biased against his team. The Ballon d’Or winner expressed his frustration with the officials following City’s disappointing 2-2 draw against Tottenham on Sunday. The Spanish midfielder was incensed when Dominic Solanke’s first goal for Tottenham was allowed, despite appearing to kick through the back of Marc Guehi’s leg to score.

Even though VAR reviewed the incident, it concluded that no foul had been committed. Tottenham equalised and secured a surprising point, dealing a significant blow to City’s title aspirations against Arsenal. City have recently had VAR decisions go against them in matches against Newcastle, Manchester United, and Wolves.

Rodri seemed to question the impartiality of the officials, insisting they ‘have to be neutral’. The midfielder anchor stated: “I know we won too much and the people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral. And for me, honestly, it’s not fair.

“It’s not fair because we work so hard in these situations, and now to make these decisions, we have to move on. Of course you need to come back, but at the end, when everything is finished, we are frustrated because it’s so clear, the foul.

“He (Solanke) kicked the leg, and of course with the push of the action on the ball, the ball goes in. We have to pay attention to these little things, otherwise it’s going to be difficult for everyone because this league is like this.

“It’s about small details and everything counts, so I think this is a very tough day for us in this sense. Honestly, I never speak about referees. I respect their job massively, but they have to pay attention to these things. He’s kicked the leg. It’s so clear.”

The FA are anticipated to take a dim view of Rodri’s remarks – and may charge him with ‘questioning the integrity of match officials’.

Losing Rodri to a potential ban would be a further setback for Guardiola. The midfielder is already unavailable for the club’s next Champions League match, the first leg of their round of 16 tie.

City have secured just one victory in their last six league matches and now sit six points behind league leaders Arsenal. Guardiola’s side are also still in contention for silverware on all four fronts but face a demanding fixture list in the coming weeks.