Rodri given fine for comments about referee following Spurs draw | OneFootball

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been handed a £80,000 fine by the FA for his comments about referee Rob Jones following the Citizens' 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur last month.

City had been two goals at half-time away to Spurs before Dominic Solanke scored a brace to ensure that the points were shared on February 1st.

"I know we won too much and the people don't want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral," Rodri had said after the game leading to him being charged by the FA for 'acting in an improper manner'. 

In a letter to the FA as part of his evidence, the midfielder went on to explain: "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."

The 29-year-old has played 24 times for City in all competitions this season, scoring twice.