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Last Updated:March 09, 2026, 23:43 IST
Rodri fined £80,000 by The FA for criticizing referee Robert Jones after Manchester City's 2–2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur and a controversial VAR decision.
Manchester City's Rodri (Getty Images)
Rodri has been fined £80,000 ($107,000) and issued a warning by the FA following comments he made about match officials after Manchester City’s 2–2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
The Spanish midfielder’s remarks came after a controversial moment in the match when a goal by Spurs striker Dominic Solanke was allowed to stand despite claims he had fouled City defender Marc Guéhi in the build-up.
VAR Decision Sparks Frustration
The incident was reviewed by the video assistant referee (VAR) but officials ultimately ruled that no foul had been committed, allowing the goal to count.
Rodri was visibly frustrated with the decision and later criticised referee Robert Jones during a post-match media interview.
Rodri has been fined £80k for this interview.I was saying this recently. Again, footballers are not us, they cannot post same things we post, they cannot speak to the media same way we do.
80 grand for this😭
— TobyWrites (@tobyasky) March 9, 2026
“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 match.
“It’s not fair because we work so hard."
FA Charges Over Comments
In a statement announcing the punishment, the FA said Rodri’s remarks crossed a line by questioning the integrity of officials.
“It was alleged that the midfielder acted in an improper manner during a post-match media interview by making comments that imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official and/or match officials."
The 29-year-old, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, has now been formally warned about his future conduct.
Title Race Tightening
The draw at Tottenham proved costly for City in the title race.
Pep Guardiola’s side currently sit second in the Premier League table, trailing leaders Arsenal by seven points, although City still have a game in hand as the race for the title intensifies.
(with Reuters inputs)
First Published:
March 09, 2026, 23:43 IST
News sports football A Hefty Price To Pay! Man City's Rodri Fined £80,000 By FA Over Referee Comments
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