Rodri Faces FA Charge After Post-Match Referee Controversy

Midfielder Rodri has come under formal scrutiny from The Football Association following his public criticism of officiating after Manchester City were held to a 2–2 draw by Tottenham Hotspur. The governing body opened disciplinary proceedings and set a deadline for the player to submit his response, placing him at risk of punishment if the charge is upheld.

The controversy stems from a match in early February in which City surrendered a two-goal advantage. Tension rose around Tottenham’s first goal, scored by Dominic Solanke, after appeals from City players who believed a foul had occurred in the buildup. The decision by referee Robert Jones and the VAR team to allow the goal to stand quickly became the central talking point of the game.

According to the FA, Rodri’s remarks after the match crossed the line set out in its regulations, which prohibit statements that question the neutrality or integrity of match officials. The case will be reviewed by an independent panel if it proceeds, and disciplinary measures could include a suspension depending on the outcome.

Rodri’s frustration was fueled not only by the incident itself but also by a broader sense that similar refereeing decisions had affected several recent matches. From his perspective, technology such as VAR is intended to reduce clear errors, and the failure to intervene in this situation intensified his dissatisfaction with the result.

Despite the controversy, the midfielder also acknowledged that the draw did not immediately derail City’s ambitions for the season under manager Pep Guardiola. The club remains focused on maintaining momentum in the title race, though the episode highlights the ongoing tensions between players and officials in high-stakes competition, where even a single decision can shape the course of a match.