Rodri at the center of controversy in Manchester

Spanish midfielder Rodri, a key figure for Manchester City and the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, has unexpectedly found himself at the center of controversy away from the pitch. According to reports from the British press, the 29-year-old footballer has been reported by several neighbors in the building where he lives in Salford, in central Manchester, over drone flights allegedly launched from the balcony of his penthouse.

According to the British outlet Daily Mail, the Manchester Police are already aware of the complaints and have begun preliminary inquiries to determine whether the player may have violated any regulations related to privacy or the operation of drones in residential areas.

The controversy began after The Sun reported that several residents in the apartment complex had complained about the drone flying close to their windows. For many of them, the situation felt unsettling, particularly because of the building’s height and the sense of privacy that typically comes with living on the upper floors.

Neighbors claim invasion of privacy

Statements from residents in the building have intensified the controversy. One neighbor claimed the drone flew extremely close to their window, causing discomfort and concern inside the apartment.

“I live with my partner in a high-floor apartment, and the last thing you expect when you’re watching television is a drone hovering a meter away from your window,” one resident reportedly said, according to British media outlets.

The same neighbor added that the situation has made his family uneasy. “My wife is very nervous. One of the advantages of living this high up is that nobody can see you, but now we feel like Rodri and his drone are harassing us,” he explained.

Another resident described a similar moment that occurred at night. While inside his apartment on one of the upper floors, he noticed a flashing green light outside the window, which later moved toward the terrace on the top floor where the Spanish footballer lives.

Complaints escalated to the authorities

Tensions among residents quickly escalated. According to reports, several neighbors began sharing their experiences and concerns in the building’s WhatsApp group, where some even suggested the activity could violate laws related to voyeurism, harassment, or privacy invasion.

Eventually, the complaints reached local authorities, who are now reviewing the case to determine whether any drone regulations were breached. According to Daily Mail, Manchester Police have acknowledged the complaints submitted by residents of the building complex.

Additionally, some neighbors reportedly shared photos of Rodri standing on his balcony, looking up while holding the drone controller, which strengthened suspicions that the device was launched directly from his penthouse.

So far, Rodri has not made any public statement regarding the controversy.

The rules for flying drones in England

The incident has also drawn attention to the strict regulations governing drone use in the United Kingdom. According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), operators must comply with several requirements before flying drones.

Among the most important rules are registering as a drone operator, passing a theoretical test, and respecting people’s privacy. Flights must also be conducted responsibly and without causing disturbances or situations that could be interpreted as an invasion of private space.

If investigations conclude that Rodri’s drone flew over restricted areas or violated the privacy of other residents, the midfielder could face possible warnings or administrative penalties.

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