Rodri fined £80k but avoids ban after post-match outburst

Pep Guardiola can breathe a sigh of relief after Rodri avoided a playing suspension for his post-match comments. The FA confirmed an independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned the Ballon d'Or winner with an £80,000 fine, but he remains available for selection as City continue their hunt for silverware.

The 29-year-old had been charged after alleging officials were not "neutral" following a controversial 2-2 draw with Tottenham on February 1. The incident involved Dominic Solanke bundling home a goal despite appearing to kick through the back of Marc Guehi’s leg; the commission was unanimous that the outburst did not meet the threshold for a sporting ban, noting his previously clean disciplinary record regarding media conduct.

Rodri's furious post-match tirade criticised Premier League match officials and VAR — "the referee has to be neutral and for me honestly, it’s not fair," he told reporters — but he issued a full apology at the hearing.

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