rewrite this title Rodri facing FA ban for referee comments after Tottenham draw

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been charged by the Football Association after questioning referee Robert Jones’ neutrality following his side’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham.

City were frustrated after Spurs recovered from 2-0 down, particularly over Dominic Solanke’s goal, with replays appearing to show contact on Marc Guehi in the build-up.

The FA alleges the Spain international breached misconduct rules during a post-match television interview, claiming he “acted in an improper manner” by implying bias and questioning the integrity of a match official.

Rodri has until February 18 to respond and could face a suspension if found guilty by an independent regulatory commission.

Speaking after the Premier League match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Rodri voiced his frustration with the officiating.

“I know we won too much and the people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral,” he said.

“It’s not fair because we work so hard. When everything is finished, you are frustrated.”

The midfielder insisted he rarely criticises officials but felt compelled to speak out.

“Honestly, I never speak about referees, I respect their job massively. But they have to pay attention to these things,” he added.

“He kicked the leg, it’s so clear. It’s two, three games in a row and I don’t know why.”

With no fixed sanction outlined in the regulations for media comments, any punishment will be determined by an independent panel, although previous cases have resulted in bans.