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• Rodri fined £80,000, not banned, but warned over Referee comments

  Manchester City midfielder Rodri has avoided a playing ban but received an £80,000 fine from the Football Association after alleging that officials were biased during his side’s recent draw against Tottenham. ​Manchester City’s Rodri has been fined £80,000 and warned about his future conduct following an independent commission’s ruling. The midfielder was charged after claiming referees lacked neutrality during a 2-2 draw with Tottenham. Rodri expressed his frustration post-match, stating, “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.” ​Despite the financial penalty, the Spaniard escaped a sporting sanction, ensuring his availability for City’s pursuit of league leaders Arsenal. The commission noted the FA did not seek a ban despite Rodri’s targeted comments regarding a perceived foul on Marc Guehi. Reflecting on the officiating decisions that led to his outburst, Rodri added, “At the end, when everything is finished, we are frustrated because it’s so clear, the foul.”

• Andrea Berta working on risky Arsenal signing, agent was at recent Gunners match

  Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly pursuing Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali, though a staggering €100 million asking price and competition from Manchester United make the potential transfer a significant risk.

  ​Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly leading the Gunners’ pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.

  While the Italian international has flourished in the Premier League, Tuttosport suggests Newcastle may demand as much as €100m to part with their star.

  Interest is heating up as the player’s agent was recently spotted attending an Arsenal fixture, though Manchester United also remains a serious contender.

  ​Despite Berta’s interest, critics question if Tonali represents a necessary upgrade for the North London side’s midfield.

  Current evaluations suggest the high transfer fee may not align with Arsenal’s long-term budget or immediate squad needs.

  Newcastle, meanwhile, are desperate to avoid a repeat of last summer’s disruptive sagas, hoping their high valuation preserves a key component of Eddie Howe’s squad for the future.

• Pedri gesture for family of Atletico Madrid captain goes viral

  Barcelona’s Pedri has gone viral for gifting his signed boots to the son of Atletico Madrid captain Koke, showcasing the deep mutual respect between the two Spanish internationals despite their recent Copa del Rey battle.

  ​Barcelona midfielder Pedri has earned widespread praise after gifting his match-worn boots to Leo, the son of Atletico Madrid captain Koke.

  Despite Atletico eliminating Barcelona from the Copa del Rey earlier this week, Beatriz Espejel, Koke’s wife, thanked Pedri and his family on Instagram for taking “such good care of Leo and me yesterday in Barcelona.”

  The boots were signed with the message, “With affection, for Leo.”

  ​Koke reciprocated the kindness, describing the young Canary Islander as a “machine” and a vital part of Spain’s future.

  Following the intense second leg at Camp Nou, the veteran midfielder was seen consoling an exhausted Pedri on the pitch.

  Koke remarked, “Besides being a great footballer, he’s a spectacular guy.” The two are set to face off again in La Liga at the Metropolitano this April.

• ‘He’s a little bit like Philipp Lahm’ – Hansi Flick’s high praise for Barcelona youngster

  Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has compared 18-year-old academy talent Xavi Espart to German legend Philipp Lahm as the youngster prepares for a potential senior debut following injuries to key defenders.  

  ​Hansi Flick has fast-tracked La Masia graduate Xavi Espart into first-team training following injuries to Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde.

  The German coach was glowing in his assessment of the right-back’s technical versatility.

  Flick remarked, “In Espart’s case, I like his confidence on the ball; he’s a little bit like Philipp Lahm,” noting the teenager’s ability to operate effectively as a defensive midfielder.

  ​With a daunting trip to Athletic Club followed by a Champions League clash at Newcastle, Flick is leaning on his remaining senior stars.

  He praised the resurgent Joao Cancelo, stating, “He’s more confident now. We need him.”

  While Espart and fellow youngster Alvaro Cortes provide depth, Flick remains optimistic about Barcelona’s level, insisting the team is prepared for their upcoming high-stakes fixtures.

• Bernardo Silva reveals how Arsenal is being handed title advantage

  Bernardo Silva claims refereeing inconsistency has handed Arsenal a title advantage after Manchester City’s frustrating 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest increased the gap at the top to seven points.

  Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva has voiced frustration over officiating following a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest that left his side seven points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal.

  Silva criticized the decision to deny Erling Haaland a penalty after a collision with goalkeeper Matz Sels. He stated, “I just think that all the 50-50s this season have gone against us – all of them.”

  Despite leading twice through Antoine Semenyo and Rodri, City conceded late to Elliot Anderson, further complicating their title defense.

  Silva admitted City’s own errors contributed to the gap, acknowledging, “It’s on us that we didn’t win.”

  Meanwhile, Forest manager Vitor Pereira urged his squad to remain focused on the present as they battle to stay outside the relegation zone on goal difference.