Cristian Romero is sent off for Spurs.placeholder image
Cristian Romero is sent off for Spurs. | Getty Images
Thomas Frank saw his captain sent off for Tottenham Hotspur in the first half against Manchester United on Saturday.
Arsenal and Newcastle United are set to benefit from a moment of Tottenham Hotspur ‘madness’ in the early kick-off against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Thomas Frank took his side to the Theatre of Dreams looking to continue a four-game unbeaten run but it was a nightmare start for Spurs. Cristian Romero, who had found his name in the headlines for off-the-pitch drama this week, was shown a red card after just 29 minutes.
The Tottenham Hotspur captain recklessly lunged into a challenge on Manchester United star Casemiro and was immediately given his marching orders by Michael Oliver.
Tottenham Hotspur captain slammed for ‘ridiculous’ red card
Reacting to the moment on TNT Sports, Ally McCoist said: “Do you know what I think? I don’t think he needs to follow through. It’s ridiculous, I don’t think he needs to follow through at all. There’s a way you can go and challenge for the ball and win the ball. If he knows the player’s there, which he does because the player is in front of him, it’s madness. I don’t think there’s any excuse for that.”
Former Premier League official Darren Cann also told BBC Sport: “Cristian Romero makes a forceful challenge on Casemiro which is, in law, undoubtedly a serious foul play tackle. It was a really excellent decision from referee Michael Oliver, who was brilliantly positioned.”
Romero is now set to be suspended for four matches. The centre-back will miss out for the visit of Newcastle United on Tuesday before sitting out of the North London derby at the Emirates Stadium on February 22.
Arsenal and Newcastle United set to benefit from Romero absence
Romero’s absence comes as a boost to the Magpies and the Gunners given the player is one of the first names on the teamsheet for Thomas Frank. The 27-year-old was named in the XI against Manchester United despite being reprimanded behind-the-scenes this week.
The defender took to social media on Monday to label the club’s recruitment strategy as ‘disgraceful’ after the team had just 11 fit senior players available for the 2-2 draw with Manchester City last weekend. He wrote: "Great effort from all my team-mates yesterday, they were incredible. I wanted to be available to help them even though I wasn't feeling well, especially since we only had 11 players available - unbelievable but true and disgraceful.
"We'll keep showing up and taking responsibility to turn this around, working hard and staying together. All that's left is to thank all of you for being there and for always supporting us, the fans."
Frank said that the issue had been dealt with ‘internally’ this week. After sitting out against Newcastle United and Arsenal, Romero will also be absent against Fulham and Crystal Palace.
In other news, 'We can' - Sunderland star sends Arsenal warning amid goalscoring record against big clubs.
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