Manchester City midfielder Rodri didn’t hold back after the 2-2 draw with Tottenham, openly questioning how referees are treating his team.
He suggested that the club’s history of success might be coloring officials’ decisions, leaving him exasperated.
The controversy came after Dominic Solanke’s first goal for Spurs was allowed to stand despite some physical contact with Marc Guehi.
VAR reviewed the play extensively, including a potential offside, but ultimately confirmed the goal.
Rodri was clearly unimpressed. “He’s kicked the leg – it’s so clear,” the Spaniard said.
“He anticipated Marc, and it’s a clear foul.
But it’s not just this match, it’s two or three games in a row. I honestly don’t know why.”
He went further, pointing to City’s track record.
“I know we’ve won too much, and some people don’t want us to win.
But the referee has to be neutral. For me, it’s not fair. It’s just not fair.”
Guardiola Echoes His Player’s Concerns
Pep Guardiola has also been vocal about refereeing inconsistencies, claiming they’ve cost City in multiple matches.
After the Spurs draw, he highlighted that a similar challenge on a striker would have been penalized, contrasting it with what he sees as a double standard.
“It’s happened, once again,” Guardiola said.
“Marc has the ball, he’s been kicked from behind, and it’s a goal.
What can I say? Nothing. One more. If you do it to a striker, it would be a penalty.
I’m not a referee. Fascinating in the Premier League.”
He also commented on the emotional impact of Solanke’s acrobatic equalizer.
“There was an emotional issue for the first goal the referee conceded to Spurs, and after that, the momentum is difficult to control.
It’s whatever happens here in England.”
Guardiola’s frustration has occasionally gotten him in trouble with officials, most recently earning a caution for reacting to the goal being replayed on the big screen.
Spurs Manager Welcomes Solanke’s Return
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank admitted the contact was “in the grey area” but expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
Solanke, returning from injury, has already made a strong impression, scoring four goals in four matches despite not being at full fitness.
“Dom clearly struggled to run at the end,” Frank said.
“We knew it would be a big push to play 90 minutes, but four goals in four games at 80 percent fitness is impressive.
Imagine City playing without Erling Haaland for six months—we’ve been hit hard by injuries. Dom was excellent.”
Frank also noted that captain Cristian Romero had to leave at halftime due to illness, which had affected him during midweek.
City Focus on Upcoming Matches
Guardiola reassured fans that Bernardo Silva’s hamstring issue, which caused him to leave the Tottenham match, isn’t serious.
City are set to face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, aiming to get back to winning ways.
For now, though, the feeling at City is one of frustration.
With just one victory in their last six games, and trailing Premier League leaders Arsenal by six points with 14 matches left, the spotlight is on both performance and how officials are interpreting the rules.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn