Following a tense draw against Tottenham Hotspur, Rodri, Manchester City’s midfielder, openly criticized refereeing decisions that he believes compromised the integrity of the match. The game, played on October 29, 2023, featured a controversial first goal by Tottenham, which has sparked debate among players and fans alike.
City entered the match seeking to reduce the gap at the top of the Premier League table, aiming to close it to four points. They initially took charge with a two-goal lead in the first half, courtesy of goals from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden. However, Tottenham mounted a spirited comeback, with Dominic Solanke leveling the score later in the game with two goals, including a remarkable backheel effort.
Rodri’s Outburst on Refereeing Standards
Rodri’s frustration centers around the first goal scored by Solanke, which he claims should have been disallowed. He argued that Solanke’s challenge on Marc Guehi was a clear foul, stating, “He kicked the leg and of course with the push of the action on the ball, the ball goes in.” Despite a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the goal was upheld, leading Rodri to question the fairness of officiating in recent matches.
“The referee has to be neutral and for me honestly, it’s not fair,”
Rodri told Australian broadcaster Stan Sport. He expressed that City players work tirelessly and that such decisions negatively affect their performance and morale. He pointed out a pattern of VAR decisions that have gone against City in previous matches, including a notable incident during a January fixture against Newcastle where a goal was also denied by VAR.
Reflecting on the impact of these decisions, Rodri added, “These small details make the difference. We’re trying to do our best, and maybe if they don’t score the goal, we win the game.” His sentiments were echoed by City manager Pep Guardiola, who expressed his disappointment with the officiating, noting that Guehi was clearly fouled before the goal was scored.
Official Response and Context
The Premier League Match Centre released a statement confirming that the referee’s decision was verified by VAR, which deemed Solanke’s challenge on Guehi to be a legal play as he had played the ball. Guardiola, incredulous, remarked, “Marc has the ball, he is kicked from behind, and it’s a goal. What can I say? Nothing. One more.” His comments underscore the growing tension around officiating standards in the league.
Rodri’s comments reflect a broader concern among players regarding the consistency and neutrality of officiating in the Premier League. With the stakes high and every point crucial in the title race, decisions made on the pitch can have significant repercussions for teams vying for the championship.
As the season progresses, both City and Tottenham will be closely monitored, not only for their performances but also for how they navigate the challenges posed by officiating in a highly competitive league.
