Spanish midfielder Rodri said 'referees have to be neutral' after Manchester City squandered a 2-0 lead to draw at Tottenham earlier this month
Rodri
Rodri could be hit with a ban after being charged by the FA
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Manchester City star Rodri has been left facing a ban after being charged with misconduct by the Football Association.
The Spain midfielder was hit with the FA rap after his comments after City’s 2-2 draw at Tottenham on February 1 when he said “referees have to be neutral.”
That implies bias and could land Rodri with a potential ban with the FA under pressure from referees to take strong action after the comments. The PGMO want strong action against players to ensure they respect the officials.
The FA charge says: “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.
“Rodri has until Wednesday 18 February to provide a response.”
A potential ban could be a huge blow to City’s hopes as they chase down leaders Arsenal.
Rodri was incensed in a TV interview with Australian broadcaster Stan Sport over Tottenham’s first goal which stood despite Spurs striker Dom Solanke appearing to kick through City defender Marc Guehi’s leg.
Referee Rob Jones also booked Pep Guardiola during the game with City complaining a string of decisions went against them in January.
City had VAR decisions go against them in games with Newcastle, Manchester United and Wolves in January, and Rodri appeared to question whether officials were being fair.
Pep Guardiola
Guardiola could lose his star midfielder(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
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Rodri said: "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 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 today is a very tough day for us in this sense.”
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