Following a dramatic draw against Tottenham Hotspur on October 29, 2023, Manchester City midfielder Rodri expressed his frustration regarding a controversial refereeing decision that he believes affected the outcome of the match. The incident in question occurred during the second half when Tottenham forward Dominic Solanke scored a goal that ignited a spirited comeback for Spurs.
City had initially taken a commanding lead with two goals in the first half, but Solanke’s first goal, scored just eight minutes into the second period, drew ire from both Rodri and City manager Pep Guardiola. Rodri specifically criticized the decision to allow the goal, suggesting that Solanke had committed a foul on City defender Marc Guehi prior to scoring.
Controversial Goal Sparks Outrage
Despite a review by VAR, which concluded that no foul was committed, Rodri voiced his belief that the referees must maintain neutrality in their decisions. 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 added that the decision was particularly disheartening given the effort the team puts into each match.
Rodri elaborated on the impact of the refereeing decisions, noting, “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.” His comments reflect a growing concern among City players regarding officiating after experiencing similar situations in previous matches against Newcastle and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
In those earlier encounters, City felt aggrieved by VAR decisions that went against them, further fueling Rodri’s frustration. “It’s one game and another game and it’s not possible,” he said. “Honestly, I never speak about referees. I respect their job massively, but they have to pay attention to these things.”
Guardiola Echoes Rodri’s Concerns
Pep Guardiola also expressed his dissatisfaction with the officiating, echoing Rodri’s sentiments during a post-match interview with Sky Sports. “Marc has the ball, he is kicked from behind, and it’s a goal. What can I say? Nothing. One more,” he lamented, underlining the frustration shared by the team.
A statement from the Premier League Match Centre clarified that the referee’s decision to allow the goal was confirmed by VAR, which deemed that Solanke had played the ball before making contact with Guehi. The goal was subsequently credited to Solanke, further complicating City’s pursuit of the title as they now trail the league leaders by four points.
As Manchester City continues their campaign, the players will need to navigate the emotional toll of such decisions while focusing on their performance in upcoming fixtures. With the stakes high in the Premier League, each match brings the potential for pivotal moments that can influence the title race.
Rodri’s comments serve as a reminder of the ongoing discussions surrounding officiating standards in football, particularly in a league where even the smallest details can determine the outcome of games and, ultimately, a season.
