Rodri tipped for SUSPENSION after hitting out at referee Chris Kavanagh following Newcastle victory

Manchester City midfielder Rodri is being tipped for an FA sanction after hitting out at the officiating performance of referee Chris Kavanagh on Saturday evening.

City came from behind to claim all three points against Newcastle United, with Bernardo Silva’s first-half effort accompanied by a Kevin De Bruyne strike and an Oscar Bobb late winner to cancel out Isak and Gordon’s first-half goals for the hosts.

However, it was also a match-up marred by staggering refereeing decisions, in a performance that was not only picked up by Manchester City players on the evening, but also in the aftermath of the game.

Speaking to the media after the clash at St James’ Park at the weekend, Rodri hit out at the performance of on-field referee Chris Kavanagh, describing the official as ‘unbelievable in a negative way’, in a game that saw the Spanish international pick up another yellow card.

“To be honest, the referee (Chris Kavanagh at Newcastle) was unbelievable in a negative way,” Rodri exclaimed. “We don’t understand many things that happened. We don’t feel that equal to some behaviours.”

He continued, “It’s difficult (to stay calm). The referee doesn’t help much, but we don’t want the help, we just want it to be fair in both directions and I think Saturday they weren’t. This season I have seven yellow cards with two or three tackles, the other are for I don’t know what, but it is what it is.”

Rodri was also keen to point out the fact that Manchester City have now been on the receiving end of another injury as a direct result of English football’s directive for assistant referees to keep flags down for tight offside calls until the phase of play has concluded.

With Ederson becoming the latest player to succumb to injury through a clash with an opposing player, it follows John Stones’ injury sustained against Everton as a result of a very similar incident.

“I think it is ridiculous,” said Rodri. “It could have been worse, fortunately it was just a kick, but there are lots of injuries in this situation. We have to check if it’s the best option to follow the game.

“This is something we have to look but they will decide, we have nothing to say this.”

Following the emergence of quotes on social media from Manchester City’s mainstay in defensive midfield, some users have tipped Rodri to be subjected to a Football Investigation sanction, in what would be his third of the campaign.

Rodri picked up a three-match ban earlier in the season following a straight red card in a Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest, before picking up a single match ban following an accumulation of yellow cards.

Manchester City could see Rodri pick up a further two-game suspension this season, with the player being just three yellow cards away from a two-match ban having now received a total of seven yellow cards this season.