Rodri fined £80,000 for comments about refereeing after Tottenham draw

• Rodri fined £80,000 by the The Football Association for comments about referees
• The Manchester City midfielder criticised officiating after a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur
• Rodri avoided a playing ban and will remain available during the Premier League title race

Rodri has been fined £80,000 and warned about his future conduct after criticising refereeing decisions following Manchester City’s draw with Tottenham Hotspur last month.

The Spain international was charged by The Football Association on February 13, almost two weeks after the 2-2 match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 1.

Rodri made the comments during an interview with Stan Sport, saying that referees “have to be neutral.”

After the midfielder admitted the charge, an independent regulatory commission imposed a financial penalty and issued a warning regarding his future behaviour.

The commission’s written reasons confirmed that the decision not to impose a sporting sanction such as a suspension was unanimous. It also noted that the FA had not requested a playing ban in its submission.

Rodri’s criticism followed a controversial moment before Tottenham’s first goal. The midfielder believed City should have been awarded a free kick after Marc Guéhi was fouled by Dominic Solanke during the build-up.

“I know we won too much and people don’t want us to win but the referee has to be neutral and for me honestly it’s not fair,” Rodri said.

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

Rodri added that the team were frustrated after the match because they believed the foul was clear.

Avoiding a suspension means Rodri will remain available for Manchester City as they continue their pursuit of the Premier League title.

City currently trail leaders Arsenal by seven points, although they have a game in hand.

The two teams are scheduled to meet in the final of the EFL Cup on March 22 before facing each other again in a league match at the Etihad Stadium on April 19.