Manchester City midfielder Rodri fined for referee rant after draw at Tottenham
Rodri was fined for remarks made after Manchester City's draw at Spurs
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been fined £80,000 after suggesting referee Robert Jones was not “neutral” during the 2-2 draw with Tottenham on February 1.
City led 2-0 at half-time before the struggling hosts staged a comeback to claim a point thanks to a Dominic Solanke double. Solanke’s first goal angered City with the former Bournemouth striker appearing to foul Marc Guehi in the process.
Afterwards, a frustrated Rodri said: “I know we won too much and the people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral.
“It’s not fair because we work so hard. When everything is finished, you are frustrated because the foul is so clear.”
Rodri apologises for Jones remarks
The Spain international was subsequently charged with making comments that imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official and/or match officials, contrary to FA Rule E3.1. He admitted wrongdoing and also apologised.
In the FA’s written explanation, he said: “I would like to apologise again for the comments I made during my post-match interview following the fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on 1 February 2026. I fully accept that my words, as expressed, were inappropriate and fell below the standard expected of me as a professional player.
“I wish to make clear that I did not intend to imply bias or question the integrity of the 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.”
In addition to the fine, Rodri was also warned as to his future conduct.