Rodri learns punishment after Manchester City star following Tottenham draw

Rodri was critical of the referee’s performance after a 2-2 draw against Tottenham last month (Picture: Getty)

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been fined and warned after making comments critical of the officiating in his side’s draw with Tottenham on February 1.

The Spain international was charged by the Football Association on February 13 after saying referees ‘have to be neutral’ following the 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

Rodri subsequently admitted the charge and an independent commission fined him £80,000 and warned him as to his future conduct.

The written reasons issued alongside the decision revealed the commission was unanimous in the view that a sporting sanction, such as a playing ban, should not be imposed, and nor did the FA seek such a sanction in its submission.

Rodri told Australian broadcaster Stan Sport: ‘I know we won too much and the people don’t want us to win but the referee has to be neutral and for me honestly, it’s not fair.

‘It’s not fair because we work so hard in these situations and now to make these decisions, we have to move on.

‘Of course you need to come back but at the end, when everything is finished, we are frustrated because it’s so clear, the foul.’