Tuesday 17 January 2017 17:19, UK
Sky Sports News HQ understands Manchester City are considering appealing against the size of the fine imposed on Bacary Sagna, after he was ordered to pay £40,000 by the Football Association for a social media post.
The original incident came after City's 2-1 Premier League victory at home to Burnley earlier this month, which saw Fernandinho receive his third red card in six games.
Sagna took to social media after the match to vent his frustrations at Lee Mason's officiating and suggested it had been '10 against 12' - before he subsequently deleted the comment.
Sagna's comment read: "10 against 12... but still fighting and winning as a team #youfreetothinkwhateveryouwant".
Although the 33-year old later apologised for offence he had caused, the FA promptly approached the Frenchman to explain the post.
Sky sources understand City believe every case is different, and they feel similar incidents of players criticising officials - such as Andy Carroll, Gary Cahill and Wayne Rooney - have been dealt with far more leniently, and a £40,000 fine is disproportionate.
An FA statement released on Tuesday said: "Bacary Sagna has been fined £40,000 for misconduct in relation to a comment posted on social media."
The defender was also warned as to his future conduct, following the Independent Regulatory Commission hearing.
"The player was charged in that his comment questioned the integrity of the match official and/or alleged and/or implied bias on the part of the match official, and/or brought the game into disrepute contrary to Rule E3 (1)."
