Man City handed Rodri ban decision amid Arsenal Premier League title race

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Rodri apologised for his comments following Manchester City's draw in north London last month

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been fined £80,000 for his comments in the media following the 2-2 draw against Tottenham on Sunday February 1, the Football Association have confirmed.

Rodri accused referee Robert Jones of not being "neutral" after City let slip a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2. The 29-year-old was left angry after Dominic Solanke's goal was allowed to stand, despite appearing to kick through the leg of defender Marc Guehi.

The Spain midfielder was initially charged by the FA for his outburst after the game, but the FA have confirmed today (March 9) that he has been further sanctioned. A statement read: 2An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Rodri for the media comments that he made after Manchester City’s Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 1 February.

"It was alleged that the midfielder acted in an improper manner during a post-match media interview 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.

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"Rodri subsequently admitted the charge against him. The Regulatory Commission imposed an £80,000 fine and warning as to future conduct following a hearing, and its written reasons for these sanctions can be seen below."

Within the written reasons, the FA also confirmed that the commission were unanimous that the comments made by Rodri didn't meet the threshold to hand him a playing sanction. The Spaniard was said to have co-operated with the FA throughout.

He admitted the charge at the earliest opportunity, reducing his fine from £120,000 to £80,000. The City star has since apologised for the comments and accepted that his outburst after the draw were inappropriate.

In a statement, the 29-year-old said: "I would like to apologise again for the comments I made during my post-match interview following the fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on 1 February 2026.

"I fully accept that my words, as expressed, were inappropriate and fell below the standard expected of me as a professional player.

"I wish to make clear that I did not intend to imply bias or question the integrity of the 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."