Manchester City midfielder Rodri has launched a scathing critique of match officials, demanding that referees must maintain neutrality following his team's contentious 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. The Spain international expressed frustration over a controversial goal allowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), which he believes has become part of a troubling pattern affecting City's Premier League campaign.
Controversial Goal Sparks Fury
In a match where City initially led 2-0 with goals from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo, Tottenham mounted a spirited comeback, with Dominic Solanke credited for two strikes. However, it was Solanke's first goal, scored eight minutes into the second half, that ignited Rodri's ire. The Tottenham forward appeared to kick through the back of Marc Guehi's leg to score, but after a VAR review, the officials deemed no foul had been committed, allowing the goal to stand.
Rodri, speaking to Australian broadcaster Stan Sport, did not hold back in his assessment. He stated, "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." He emphasised the hard work put in by the team, adding, "It's not fair because we work so hard in these situations and now to make these decisions, we have to move on."
Pattern of VAR Decisions Questioned
This incident is not isolated for Manchester City, who have faced a series of controversial VAR calls in recent weeks. In January alone, decisions went against them in matches against Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Rodri highlighted this trend, noting, "It's one game and another game and it's not possible. And honestly I never speak about referees, I respect their job massively, but they have to pay attention to these things."
He elaborated on the specific foul, saying, "He's kicked the leg. It's so clear, it's so clear. He anticipated the leg of Marc and it's a clear foul, but it's not today, it's two or three games in a row and I don't know why, honestly." Rodri argued that such small details can significantly impact outcomes in the highly competitive Premier League, where every point counts in the title race.
Impact on Title Race and Team Morale
The draw leaves Manchester City trailing Arsenal at the top of the table, missing an opportunity to close the gap. Rodri reflected on what might have been, stating, "It's a clear foul and VAR is (there) for a reason. These small details make the difference. We're trying to do our best, it's the first goal they scored and maybe if they don't score the goal, we win the game." This sentiment underscores the frustration within the squad as they navigate a challenging period with key decisions seemingly going against them.
City manager Pep Guardiola was also reportedly furious with the decision, adding to the team's collective dismay. The Premier League Match Centre later issued a statement confirming that the goal had been checked and upheld by VAR, with the challenge by Solanke on Guehi judged not to be a foul as Solanke played the ball. Despite this official stance, Rodri's comments highlight a growing concern over consistency and fairness in officiating.
Broader Implications for Football
Rodri's outburst raises important questions about the role of VAR and referee neutrality in modern football. As technology becomes more integrated into the sport, players and fans alike are calling for greater transparency and accuracy in decision-making. Rodri concluded, "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, so I think today is a very tough day for us in this sense."
This incident is likely to fuel ongoing debates about VAR's effectiveness and the pressures on match officials in high-stakes games. For Manchester City, the focus now shifts to regrouping and maintaining their title challenge despite these setbacks, with Rodri's words serving as a poignant reminder of the fine margins that define success in elite football.
