During the latest international break, Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been making unwanted headlines.
Rodri was slammed by Arsenal fans after making a rash challenge on Martin Odegaard during Spain’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Norway.
A few days later against Scotland, Rodri was again the subject of Arsenal fans’ criticism as he challenged another Gunners player, in the shape of Kieran Tierney.
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On the back of Rodri’s challenge, Tierney was seen limping off the pitch and fans have claimed that the Spaniard is ‘on a mission’ to injure Arsenal players.
The claims from Arsenal fans were made due to the fact that City are currently battling the Gunners in the Premier League title race. Mikel Arteta's men have a healthy eight-point lead over Pep Guardiola's side as the race to be crowned the champions of England begins to hot up.
However, City fans have now hit back with claims that Tierney actually fouled Rodri.
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Posting a video of the challenge, one city fan account wrote: “Turns out the ‘horror tackle from Rodri that could’ve ended Tierney’s career’ was actually a foul on Rodri. Couldn’t make it up!
“Rodri was in possession of the ball. There’s absolutely nothing untoward about this.”
Other City fans also agreed, one tweeted: “Arsenal fans are pathetic.”
Another commented: “This is just two footballers kicking each other accidentally.”
A third fan added: “They made out of glass.”
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Someone else wrote: “Arsenal fans acting like if it was attempted murder.”
After Spain’s defeat against Scotland, Rodri was far from happy.
He said: “It’s the way they play - for me it’s a bit rubbish. It’s always wasting time, they provoke you, they always fall. For me, this is not football.
“The referee has to take a part in this but he said nothing. It’s a bit frustrating because we want to win and it’s difficult because they waste time, waste time. It is what it is.
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"They have their weapons, we have our weapons, and we will learn for next time.”
Topics: Rodri, Kieran Tierney, Manchester City, Arsenal, Scotland, Spain, Football
Marcus Chan