Manchester City midfielder Rodri could be suspended after being charged with misconduct by the Football Association.
The charge follows comments Rodri made after City’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur on February 1. Speaking post-match, the Spain international criticized officiating, saying, “The referees have to be neutral.”
The remark was interpreted as implying bias, prompting match officials to push for disciplinary action, according to reports. The Professional Game Match Officials Ltd. (PGMOL) is also said to be advocating firm measures to reinforce respect for referees.
In a statement, the FA said:
“It’s 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, contrary to FA Rule 3.1.
“Rodri has until Wednesday, February 18, to provide a response.”
Any suspension would be a significant blow to City’s title ambitions as they continue their pursuit of league leaders Arsenal.
