Such implications of bias could result in Rodri receiving a potential ban, with the FA under pressure from referees to take decisive action in response to his comments. The PGMO are calling for stringent measures against players to ensure they respect the officials.

The FA charge reads: “It’s alleged that the midfielder acted in an improper manner during a post-match media interview by making comments that imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official and/or match officials, contrary to FA Rule 3.1.

“Rodri has until Wednesday 18 February to provide a response.”

A possible ban could deal a significant blow to City’s ambitions as they attempt to catch up with league leaders Arsenal.

Rodri expressed his frustration in a TV interview with Australian broadcaster Stan Sport over Tottenham’s opening goal, which was allowed despite Spurs striker Dominic Solanke appearing to kick through City defender Marc Guehi’s leg.

Referee Rob Jones also showed Pep Guardiola a yellow card during the match, with City voicing their grievances over a series of decisions that went against them in January.

City had VAR rulings go against them in matches against Newcastle, Manchester United and Wolves, and Rodri seemed to question whether the officials were being impartial.

He stated: “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.

“It’s not fair because we work so hard in these situations and now to make these decisions, we have to move on.

“Of course you need to come back but at the end, when everything is finished, we are frustrated because it’s so clear, the foul.

“He kicked the leg and of course with the push of the action on the ball, the ball goes in.

“We have to pay attention to these little things otherwise it’s going to be difficult for everyone because this league is like this.

“It’s about small details and everything counts, so I think today is a very tough day for us in this sense.”