Tottenham skipper Cristian Romero was sent off in stoppage time for kicking Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate.
Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero were both sent off, as Tottenham Hotspur suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at home in the Premier League.
Thomas Frank’s side was reduced to 10 men just 30 minutes in when Xavi Simons made a reckless challenge on Liverpool captain and his international teammate, Virgil van Dijk. The initial yellow card was upgraded to a red following a VAR review. Referee John Brooks explained the reason for the red card was due to the challenge being high up the calf with the creative midfielder’s studs up.
The Netherlands international’s dismissal left Spurs to battle with 10 men for over an hour as Liverpool took control of proceedings. Substitute Alexander Isak broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, and 10 minutes later, Hugo Ekitike doubled the visitors’ lead, outjumping Cristian Romero to plant his header into the back of the net.
Tottenham did not give up and remained in the game. They showed greater mentality and resilience than anticipated, though, with substitute Richarlison making an immediate impact in the 83rd minute. The Brazilian striker prodded home after Liverpool failed to clear their lines, giving the hosts a lifeline. However, all hopes of a comeback were dashed after Romero was sent off in stoppage time.
Cristian Romero was sent off vs Liverpool
Cristian Romero was sent off vs Liverpool
Former Premier League referee speaks up on Romero’s second yellow card offence vs. Liverpool
Drama unfolded deep in stoppage time when Romero won a free kick in a dangerous area after being fouled by Ibrahima Konate, and within a matter of seconds, he lost his composure. The Argentina international appeared to kick Konate from the side while getting up and earned himself a second yellow card to leave the home side down to nine men for the closing stages.
Former Premier League referee Darren Cann termed Romero’s actions “petulant” and felt it warranted a second yellow card from the referee, in a rather scathing verdict.
“It’s a petulant kick out at Konate – and that’s without doubt a second yellow for Romero. John Brooks had no option other than to send him off for a second booking,” Darren Cann was quoted by BBC Sport.
Cristian Romero did not cover himself in glory with his actions vs. Liverpool
Cristian Romero did not cover himself in glory with his actions vs. Liverpool
Romero has an evening to forget vs. Liverpool
Romero completed his day to forget when he got himself sent off for his stupid actions at a time when Spurs were in the ascendancy and had an opportunity to equalise late in stoppage time. Prior to his dismissal, the centre-back’s poor clearance led to Isak’s opener for Liverpool. He was largely responsible for the second goal too, being easily bullied by Ekitike in the air.
When the chips were down against Newcastle United at the start of December, it was Romero who bailed Tottenham out with two fantastic goals. But today, his head loss at the end without any instigation from the opposition won’t inspire any teammates.
It was extremely poor from the club’s skipper and a senior figure, and definitely not for the first time. Getting himself sent off needlessly in stoppage time when Richarlison had sparked an improbable comeback was not the act of a leader. Instead of keeping himself calm and rallying the boys to get a point in that scenario, Romero did everything he could to sabotage the Lilywhites. Plus, he will miss Tottenham’s next league game against Crystal Palace on December 28.