Rodri expresses discontent with officiating following draw against Tottenham – ‘it’s not fair’
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has stated that referees ‘must remain impartial’ as he expressed his discontent with the decision to permit Tottenham’s opening goal in Sunday’s 2-2 draw.
City appeared poised to reduce the gap to Arsenal at the top of the Premier League back to four points after they surged ahead with a two-goal lead in the first half, courtesy of Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo, but Spurs mounted a determined comeback.
Dominic Solanke was credited with two goals, including a remarkable backheel strike in the 70th minute, but it was his first goal, scored just eight minutes into the second half, that left Rodri and manager Pep Guardiola infuriated.
Tottenham forward Solanke seemed to kick through the back of Marc Guehi’s leg to score, and although VAR reviewed the situation, it concluded that no foul had occurred.
City had previously faced VAR decisions that went against them in matches against Newcastle, Manchester United, and Wolves in January, and Rodri appeared to question the fairness of the officials.
The Spain midfielder remarked to Australian broadcaster Stan Sport: “I understand we have won a lot and people may not want us to succeed, but the referee must be impartial, and honestly, it’s not fair.
“It’s unjust because we put in so much effort in these situations, and now to have these decisions made, we must move forward.
“Certainly, we need to recover, but ultimately, when everything concludes, we feel frustrated because the foul is so evident. He kicked the leg, and with the momentum of the action on the ball, it resulted in a goal.
“We need to pay attention to these minor details; otherwise, it will be challenging for everyone, as this league is about small details and every aspect matters. Today is particularly difficult for us in this regard.”
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City had a goal disallowed by VAR in their 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle, and Diogo Dalot escaped a red card for a challenge on Jérémy Doku during Guardiola’s side’s defeat in the Manchester derby.
Rodri, a week after referee Farai Hallam opted not to award City a penalty against Wolves despite being instructed to review the incident on the pitchside monitor, expressed his frustration at this latest ruling.
He stated: “I am uncertain how to feel. Now that I see the footage, it’s different. On the field, you don’t perceive it. It’s a clear foul in the initial action of the goal.
“It’s an obvious foul, and VAR exists for a reason. These minor details can make a significant difference. We are striving to perform our best; it was their first goal, and perhaps if they hadn’t scored, we would have won the match.
“It’s one game after another, and it’s becoming untenable. Honestly, I rarely comment on referees; I have great respect for their work, but they need to be attentive to these matters. He kicked the leg. It’s so evident, it’s so evident.
“He anticipated Marc’s leg, and it’s a clear foul, but this isn’t just today; it’s been two or three consecutive games, and I honestly don’t understand why.”
A statement from the Premier League Match Centre on Sunday indicated: “The referee’s decision to award the goal was reviewed and confirmed by VAR, with Solanke’s challenge on Guehi deemed not to be a foul as Solanke played the ball.
“The goal accreditation panel has ruled the goal as a Solanke goal.”
Pep Guardiola also expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision not to disallow Solanke’s first goal, telling Sky Sports: “Of course not. It has happened once again. What can I say?
“Marc has the ball, he is kicked from behind, and it’s a goal. What can I say? Nothing. One more.”
