Rodri Apologizes for Controversial Comments After FA Hearing

Manchester City midfielder Rodri publicly apologized for his comments made after the team’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on February 1, 2026. Following the match, Rodri expressed frustration over officiating decisions, specifically regarding a controversial goal awarded to Tottenham. This incident led to disciplinary action from the Football Association (FA), resulting in a fine of £80,000 for the player.

In the aftermath of the match, Rodri criticized the refereeing decisions, particularly a goal by Dominic Solanke that was deemed valid despite a perceived foul on Marc Guehi. The midfielder’s comments during a post-match interview included the assertion that incorrect decisions had been recurring in recent matches. He stated, “But it’s not today, it’s two, three games in a row. And I don’t know why honestly.”

Rodri later clarified his remarks in written communication to the FA. He mentioned specific instances where he felt officiating errors had occurred, such as a foul by Diogo Dalot against Doku during a match against Manchester United, which he believed warranted a red card, and a disallowed goal by Semenyo at Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. He expressed confusion over the frequency of these decisions, stating, “I don’t have an explanation as to why the mistakes have happened.”

Reflecting on the nature of his comments, Rodri acknowledged that his words might have implied bias against referees. He stressed, “I did not say that referees are not neutral… I meant that this can be ruled out as an explanation as to why referee mistakes have happened recently.” He further elaborated that support for Manchester City is not universal, noting, “There are, of course, more people who don’t support Man City than do.”

The midfielder also expressed his belief that incorrect officiating can unfairly influence match outcomes. He stated, “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.”

Rodri’s apology highlighted his respect for match officials and the challenges they face in high-pressure situations. He recognized that his initial comments were inappropriate and did not meet the professional standards expected of him. “I fully accept that my words, as expressed, were inappropriate and fell below the standard expected of me as a professional,” he stated.

His willingness to cooperate with the FA throughout the investigation and to accept responsibility for his comments likely contributed to avoiding a suspension. The FA’s written decision noted Rodri’s cooperation and his lack of prior disciplinary issues.

As the season progresses, Manchester City continues to face scrutiny regarding officiating, and Rodri’s situation serves as a reminder of the pressures athletes face in high-stakes environments. The midfielder’s reflection on his comments underscores the importance of communication and accountability in professional sports.