“Referees have to be neutral,” Spanish midfielder Rodri said after Manchester City took a 2-0 lead to draw with Tottenham earlier this month.
Rodri faces charges from the FA and could be suspended.
Manchester City star Rodri has been suspended after being accused of misconduct by the Football Association.
The Spanish midfielder came under fire from the FA after saying “referees should be neutral” after City’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham on February 1.
This could be seen as bias and could result in Rodri being suspended by the FA, who have come under pressure from referees to take strong action following his comments. The PGMO wants to take strong action against the players to ensure they respect the authorities.
The FA’s complaint said: “The midfielder is alleged to have behaved inappropriately during a post-match media interview, including hinting at bias and making comments that called into question the integrity of match officials and match officials, contrary to FA Rule 3.1.”
“Rhodri must respond by Wednesday, February 18th.”
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A possible suspension could be a huge blow to City’s hopes of chasing leaders Arsenal.
In a television interview with Australian broadcaster Stan Sports, Rodri was furious that Tottenham’s opening goal was scored despite Spurs striker Dom Solanke appearing to kick City defender Marc Guehi through the legs.
Referee Rob Jones also singled out Pep Guardiola after complaining that a series of decisions against City in January went against him.
City were given unfavorable VAR decisions in games against Newcastle, Manchester United and Wolves in January, and Rodri appears to have doubts as to whether the authorities were being fair.
Guardiola could lose star midfielder (Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
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“I know we’re winning too much and people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral and honestly it’s not fair,” Rodri said.
“This is unfair because we are working hard in these situations and now to make a decision like this we have to move forward.
“Obviously he has to come back, but we’re frustrated because at the end, when it was all said and done, it was such an obvious foul. He kicked his leg and of course the push of the action on the ball went in.”
“You have to pay attention to these little things, otherwise it will be difficult for everyone, because this is how this league is. Every detail matters, everything matters. So I think today will be a very tough day for us in this sense.”
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