FA announces Rodri sanctions after Tottenham outburst over match officials | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Rodri has now found out the extent of his sanctions following comments made in the media aimed at match officials in February.

At A Glance: Rodri FA Sanctions

The situation involving Rodri became a significant flashpoint in City’s ongoing Premier League title charge, following a 2-2 draw against Tottenham on February 1, 2026.

Pep Guardiola’s side had led 0-2 thanks to Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo, before Dominic Solanke pulled a goal back, despite appearing to kick through the back of Marc Guehi’s leg to force the ball home.

Despite a VAR review and referee Robert Jones‘ on-field decision, the goal was allowed to stand, sparking a Tottenham comeback that was eventually completed by a sensational Solanke scorpion-kick in the 70th minute.

Speaking to broadcasters after the final whistle, Rodri claimed the decision to allow the first goal was “unacceptable” and “so clear,” suggesting a broader pattern of unfavourable decisions against the club.

Most controversially, Rodri stated, “I know we won too much and the people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral”, emphasising that while he respects the profession, the frequency of VAR errors against City made it impossible to stay silent, noting it was the “third or fourth game in a row” they had been disadvantaged.

Rodri Escapes Ban: FA Imposes Fine for Spurs Comments

It has now been announced that the Regulatory Commission has imposed an £80,000 fine and warning towards Rodri as to future conduct following a hearing, with the Spanish midfielder admitting the charge made against him.

It had been alleged that Rodri had acted in an improper manner during a post-match media interview following City’s 2-2 draw at Tottenham, by making comments that imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official and/or match officials, contrary to FA Rule E3.1.

What did Rodri say in his response to the FA charge?

In a letter to the FA on 10 February 2026, Rodri made clear his appreciation for the role referees play in the game and the difficult job they have, highlighting the fact that in the post-match interview he made clear the respect he has for their job. Rodri submitted, “it is therefore deeply unfortunate that my words have been misunderstood and misinterpreted by some media organisations.”

Rodri also provided his view on what he said in the post-Tottenham interview:

We have experienced some other occasions in our recent matches where I believe decisions have been incorrect. For example, the bad foul by Diogo Dalot on Doku in our match at Manchester United which should have been a red card, and Semenyo’s disallowed goal at Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. I don’t have an explanation as to why the mistakes have happened.

There are, of course, more people who don’t support Man City than do. Naturally, supporters of other clubs who have witnessed our success in recent years will not want to see that success continue. That thought process doesn’t apply to referees, who are professionally neutral in performing their roles. I did not say that referees are not neutral (as the media articles you have sent to me wrongly suggest). I meant that this can be ruled out as an explanation as to why referee mistakes have happened recently.

It doesn’t feel fair when the ultimate result of a match is influenced by an incorrect decision rather than just the performance of the team.

In a letter to the FA on 23 February 2026, Rodri stated: “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.”

Rodri continued: “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.”

Tactical Boost: Rodri Available for Key Upcoming Matches

Many will see the confirmed sanctions as a significant boost to Manchester City, who enter a defining period of their 2025/26 season, now heading towards a Champions League last-16 first-leg trip to face Real Madrid at the Bernabéu on Wednesday, March 11.

Rodri’s availability for the coming run of matches will give Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff the best hope of progressing in as many competitions as they wish, with the Spain international once again a focal point of their tactical operation.

The Blues then return to domestic duty on Saturday for a Premier League clash away at West Ham, with Pep Guardiola absent from the touchline as part of a two-match technical area ban for an accumulation of yellow cards.

The return leg against Real Madrid follows quickly at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, March 17, as Manchester City look to secure their place in the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier competition.