Manchester City Midfielder Rodri faces a possible suspension after the Football Association opened an investigation into his post-match comments following a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
As reported by BBC Sport, the governing body is reviewing the Spanish international’s statements about the officiating during the closing stages of the match at the Etihad Stadium.
Rodri expressed his frustration after a late penalty appeal was dismissed, telling reporters: “It’s the same story every week where big decisions go against us without any clear explanation from the officials, and it’s becoming impossible to accept.”
Sky Sports reports that the midfielder further questioned the integrity of the VAR process, stating: “You start to wonder if the rules are applied differently depending on the stadium or the team involved in the incident, because what we saw today was not fair.”
The 29-year-old added: “We work too hard for human error to take away points that should be easily corrected with the technology available to referees today, but we’re left here with nothing but excuses.”
Under FA Rule E3.1, players are prohibited from making comments that imply bias, attack the integrity of the referees or are otherwise offensive or bring the game into disrepute.
The Guardian notes that if found guilty, Rodri could face a fine or a multi-match ban, which would deal a major blow to Manchester City’s title defence.
Manager Pep Guardiola defended his player in the post-match press conference, saying: “Rodri is a professional who cares a lot about the game, and his words come from a place of immense frustration and passion for this club and the sport.”
Guardiola continued: “We respect the referees, but we also expect consistency in how the laws of the game are applied at such critical moments in the season, and right now my players feel that consistency is lacking.”
Manchester City are currently second in the Premier League table, three points behind leaders Liverpool, and have a crucial game against Arsenal scheduled for next weekend.
according to Reutersthe Football Association has sought comment from both the player and the club, with a spokesman saying: “We are aware of the comments made in the publication– matches the media area and we are seeking observations as part of our standard disciplinary process.”
Should a ban be imposed, Rodri would likely miss the upcoming trip to the Emirates Stadium, forcing Guardiola to consider tactical adjustments at the heart of his midfield.
