Manchester City midfielder Rodri has launched a furious criticism of refereeing decisions after City’s Premier League title hopes suffered another blow following a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
City looked firmly on course for victory in north London after racing into a 2-0 lead, but the momentum shifted dramatically when a goal by Dominic Solanke was allowed to stand despite claims that the striker fouled Marc Guehi before making contact with the ball.
Solanke later stunned City with a spectacular scorpion-kick equaliser, a result that leaves the reigning champions six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal FC.
Reacting after the match, Rodri accused officials of unfair treatment and called for neutrality from referees.
“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 told Australian broadcaster Stan Sport.
“At the end, when everything is finished, we are frustrated because it’s so clear the foul. He kicked the leg and of course with the push of the action on the ball, the ball goes in.”
The Spaniard warned that repeated controversial decisions could have serious implications in a tightly contested title race.
“We have to pay attention to these little things, otherwise it’s going to be difficult for everyone because this league is like this – it’s about small details and everything counts,” he added.
The disputed call is the latest in a series of decisions City believe have gone against them in recent weeks. Manager Pep Guardiola previously suggested that City’s dominance under his tenure had come “despite” questionable officiating.
Rodri echoed his manager’s frustrations, insisting the issue goes beyond a single game.
“It’s one game and another game, and it’s not possible,” he said.
“It’s two or three games in a row and I honestly don’t know why.”
The draw further intensifies pressure on City as the title race enters a decisive phase, with Guardiola’s side now facing an uphill battle to close the gap on Arsenal.
