9.3.2026
Manchester City star midfielder Rodri will pay £80,000 for his comments criticising match referee after their 2-2 draw against Tottenham in a Premier League match on February 1.
Rodri was upset Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke got away with a foul on Marc Guehi on his way to score.
“I know we won too much and the people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral,” Rodri said after the game.
“It’s not fair because we work so hard. When everything is finished, you are frustrated,” Rodri had said after the game.
But on Monday after the FA hit him with a fine, he said: “I would like to apologise again for comments I made during my post-match interview following the fixture against Tottenham. I fully accept my words, as expressed, were inappropriate and fell below the standard expected of me as a professional player.
“I wish to make clear I did not intend to imply bias or question the integrity of match officials. I have always had, and continue to have, great respect for referees and the difficult job they undertake in a fast-moving and highly pressured environment.
“My comments were made in a moment of frustration after a disappointing result. Upon reflection, I recognise that the words I used were poorly chosen and capable of being interpreted in a way that I did not intend.”