By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Manchester City midfielder Rodrigo “Rodri” Hernández has been formally charged with “misconduct” by the Football Association (FA).
Rodri faces a potential suspension following his remarks regarding officiating after the recent draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
While the FA did not specify the exact comments the charge relates to, Rodri accused referee Robert Jones of not being “neutral”.
“I know we won too much and the people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral,” said the Spain international after the game. It’s not fair because we work so hard. When everything is finished, you are frustrated.”
Rodri is accused of acting in an “improper manner” by making comments that “imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official”.
He has until 18 February to respond to the charge. That would be a major blow to City’s hopes of overhauling the four-point gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal.