LONDON.- The midfielder of Manchester City, Rodriwas accused by the English Football Association (FA) after saying that the referees have to be “neutral” after his team’s duel against the Tottenham.
The Spanish midfielder was furious with the referee’s decision Robert Jones to validate the goal of Dominic Solanke in City’s 2-2 draw against Spurs in the Premier League on February 1st.
He considered that Solanke’s goal should have been disallowed because the Tottenham striker hit the back of the City defender’s leg. Marc Guehiwhen he finished.
“I know we won too much and people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral,” said the Ballon d’Or 2024 to an Australian network after the London team completed its comeback after being two goals down.
“It’s not fair because we work very hard. When it’s all over, you’re frustrated,” added the Spanish midfielder.
The FA announced on Friday that the 29-year-old is charged with misconduct over his remarks.
“It is alleged that the midfielder acted inappropriately during a post-match media interview by making comments that imply bias and/or question the integrity of a referee and/or referees,” the FA said.
Rodri has until February 18 to respond to the accusation, with the possibility of a suspension if he is found guilty.
Manchester City, second in the Premier League, is four points behind the leader Arsenal.
Guardiola maintains support for immigrants
The Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiolamade a new plea this Friday in favor of welcoming immigrants, two days after the anti-immigration statements of Jim Ratcliffeco-owner of Manchester United.
“The majority of people flee their countries because of the problems there, not because they want to leave. The more we embrace other cultures – we really embrace them – the better our society will be,” Guardiola said at a press conference on the eve of the Citizens’ match against the Salford City in the round of 32 of the English Cup.
The Spanish coach avoided commenting on Ratcliffe’s words, who a day later qualified the terms used, although without referring to the substance of the message.
“I’m not going to comment on what Sir Jim Ratcliffe said because after that he said exactly what he wanted to say,” Guardiola said.
