Manchester City captain Rodri could be facing disciplinary action from the Football Association (FA) after questioning the integrity of Premier League officials following a dramatic 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner was visibly frustrated after a controversial decision paved the way for a Spurs comeback. City were leading 2-0 when a challenge involving Dominic Solanke went unpunished, leading to a momentum shift that allowed Tottenham to snatch a point at the Etihad.
“People are tired of us winning”
Speaking to Australian broadcaster Stan Sport, Rodri suggested that City’s unprecedented success has created an environment of bias against the club.
“I know we’ve won too much and people just don’t want us to win anymore,” the Spaniard claimed. “But the referee needs to be neutral. It was a clear foul [by Solanke]. VAR exists for a reason, and these ‘small’ details change games. Honestly, it doesn’t feel fair.”
Potential FA Sanctions
According to the Manchester Evening News, the FA is expected to investigate Rodri’s comments. Under English football’s strict “integrity of officials” rules, players are forbidden from implying bias or questioning a referee’s impartiality.
History is not on Rodri’s side; the FA has previously issued heavy fines and suspensions to high-profile players like Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole for similar outbursts. A ban for the City skipper would be a massive blow to Pep Guardiola’s title defense
Real Madrid Monitoring the Fallout
The tension in Manchester comes at a time when Real Madrid are reportedly ramping up their interest in the 29-year-old. According to Diario AS, the Spanish giants are closely monitoring Rodri’s situation at the Etihad.
Valued at over €100 million, Rodri is seen as the ultimate target for Florentino Pérez. If the midfielder feels “targeted” by English officials, it could accelerate his desire for a return to La Liga, where Real Madrid are waiting with open arms.
Ronald Mike is a football writer covering the English Premier League, providing match analysis, tactical insight, and coverage of key rivalries and title races across the season.
