Manchester City star sparks neighbour row as ‘police called’ on flying drone after ‘invasion of privacy’
Manchester City’s Rodri has been caught up in a neighbour row after he was reported to Greater Manchester Police by residents living near his penthouse flat in Salford.
The Spanish midfielder, 29, who claimed football’s most prestigious individual honour at the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, stands accused of operating a drone in close proximity to neighbouring apartments in the city centre high-rise complex.
Tenants allege the unmanned aircraft has been hovering outside their windows.
They have expressed fears about potential privacy violations.
Police have confirmed they are looking into the matter following the complaint.
Those living in the building have described unsettling encounters with the device appearing unexpectedly at their homes.
One tenant told The Sun: “I live with my partner on a high floor and the last thing you expect to see when you’re watching telly is a drone a metre outside the window.
“My wife is very unnerved by it. One of the benefits of living so high up is that you’re not overlooked by anyone, but now we are being plagued by Rodri and his drone.”
Manchester City’s Rodri has been caught up in a neighbour row after he was reported to Greater Manchester Police
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Another resident, an HGV driver on the 34th floor, recounted spotting a green flashing light outside while watching television with his girlfriend one evening.
He claimed the aircraft would return to the footballer’s penthouse patio after flying past their property.
The HGV driver’s girlfriend reportedly contacted the 101 non-emergency line to lodge a formal complaint about the nuisance and was informed that officers would attend.
Numerous occupants of the building are understood to have also raised the issue through their concierge, requesting that staff liaise with management at the block where the Spanish international resides.
Police have confirmed they are looking into the matter following the complaint
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Concerns have also reportedly been raised in the residents’ WhatsApp group.
Some claim the activity breaches voyeurism and harassment laws, as well as drone flight regulations.
According to Civil Aviation Authority regulations, drone operators must complete an online theory test and register with the authority before flying most devices.
They must also respect privacy and avoid causing nuisance to others.
Restrictions govern both where drones may be flown and the permitted distances from people
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Restrictions govern both where drones may be flown and the permitted distances from people.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed to The Sun: “We have received a complaint and officers are making enquiries.”
The £63million signing arrived at the Etihad from Atletico Madrid in 2019.
GB News has contacted Manchester City for comment regarding the allegations against their midfielder.
