Manchester City midfielder Rodri has given an astonishing interview claiming that Premier League referees 'aren't neutral' because they've 'won too much' in the wake of Sunday's disappointing 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
Pep Guardiola's men were cruising at half-time with Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo finding the net.
Spurs were a team transformed after the interval, however, with a brace from Dominic Solanke securing them a point.
For Solanke's first goal, the Tottenham striker made contact with City defender Marc Guehi. After a VAR check, the effort was ultimately allowed to stand.
Guardiola insisted after the fixture that a foul should have been given, with his side's title hopes hanging by a thread in the wake of Arsenal's emphatic 4-0 victory over Leeds United 24 hours earlier.
And Rodri has now sensationally alleged that referees aren't being 'neutral' during matches, with the Spain international furious that Solanke's goal was allowed to stand.
The midfielder, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2023, said: "He's kicked the leg - it's so clear.
"He anticipated Marc and it's a clear foul. But it's not today, it's two or three games in a row and I honestly don't know why.
Dominic Solanke scored a stunning scorpion kick goal against Manchester City | REUTERS"I know we won too much and the people don't want us to win but the referee has to be neutral. For me it's not fair. It's not fair."
Guardiola was equally unhappy.
City are now six points behind Arsenal at the summit with 14 league matches left to play.
Guardiola fumed: "It's happened, once again.
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Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWS"What can I say? Marc has the ball, he's been kicked from behind, and it's a goal. So what can I say? Nothing. One more.
"If you do it to a striker it would be a penalty. I'm not a referee. Fascinating in the Premier League."
While it was a frustrating day for City, it was a terrific afternoon for Tottenham.
Thomas Frank's men have endured a wretched campaign but their fightback in the second half will give them a sense of renewed optimism going forward.
Frank expressed his delight after Spurs' spirited showing, with the Dane saying: "I think we can create something magic together the players and the fans when we are united like we were especially second half but also in the [Champions League win over Borussia] Dortmund [on Jan. 20].
"That atmosphere, intensity, that's what pushed the players and they really needed it.
Pep Guardiola was left unhappy after Manchester City's draw with Tottenham
|PA
"I prefer it going more smoothly, I think that is fair to say, but this is football.
"In this spell I think we have done more good things than bad things but not enough performances have turned into results but now I am happy we have four decent performances and [are] unbeaten.
"What I like and what I think is truly important is when your back is against the wall as a team and a group you need to fight - you can never give up.
"I love that never say die attitude from the players and the fans were massive for us.
"That never says die attitude which I think has been in the team.
"The mentality is building stronger, and stronger."