"I know we won too much and the people don't want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral," Rodri said after the game. "I wish to make clear that I did not intend to imply bias or question the integrity of the match officials," Rodri wrote in the second letter. "I have always had, and continue to have, great respect for referees and the difficult job they undertake in a fast-moving and highly pressured environment. "My comments were made in a moment of frustration after a disappointing result. "Upon reflection, I recognise that the words I used were poorly chosen and capable of being interpreted in a way that I did not intend."

Source: BBC March 09, 2026 16:15 UTC