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Liverpool hold on to beat nine-man Spurs
Cristian Romero’s dismissal in Tottenham‘s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Liverpool would have been avoided if referee John Brooks had “done his job” correctly, according to Spurs manager Thomas Frank.
Tottenham were reduced to 10 players in the first half following a VAR review, leading to Xavi Simons’ ejection for a challenge on Virgil van Dijk.
Despite the setback, the hosts rallied, with substitute Richarlison narrowing the score late in the game.
Even with a numerical disadvantage, Tottenham applied significant pressure in stoppage time, seeking an equalizer, when captain Romero received a second yellow card for kicking out at Ibrahima Konate.
Romero’s initial booking was for dissent following Liverpool‘s second goal, with the Argentine disputing that Hugo Ekitike had pushed him in the back while heading the ball.
“John [Brooks] made a significant error on the field. Ekitike clearly had two hands on his back,” stated Frank.
“I’m baffled as to why he didn’t see it. Fortunately, we have VAR to intervene when necessary, but they failed to do so. That was the second mistake.
“If we revisit that [second Liverpool goal] and the referee had done his job, I believe Romero wouldn’t have received his first yellow card. Is that a fair assessment?”
“I have a player who is incredibly passionate, and with such players, you sometimes need to push the boundaries.”
In a statement on X, the Premier League match centre,, external affirmed: “The referee’s decision to award the goal to Liverpool was reviewed and upheld by VAR, which determined that there was acceptable contact during an aerial challenge between Ekitike and Romero.”
Despite the defeat, Spurs can draw positives from their fightback while a man down against the former champions, though the result places Frank’s team 13th in the league standings.
Tottenham‘s 11 home league losses in 2025 represent their highest in a calendar year. The fact that five of these defeats have occurred under the management of the Dane, who succeeded Ange Postecoglou in the summer, will intensify scrutiny on his tenure.
Cristian Romero has been sent off three times for Tottenham
Concerns are also likely to be raised regarding Romero’s suitability as team captain.
The Argentine, appointed as Tottenham‘s captain by Frank following Son Heung-min’s departure to Los Angeles FC, has a history of disciplinary issues.
Across 114 Premier League appearances, the former Atalanta defender has accumulated 34 yellow cards and three red cards.
Tottenham, along with Bournemouth, lead the league in yellow cards this season with 42, of which 21% (nine) have been issued to Romero.
He was also among those sent off the last time Spurs had nine players in a league match, against Chelsea in 2023.
The circumstances surrounding his second yellow card against Liverpool left former Tottenham and Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp puzzled.
“I believe Hugo Ekitike’s goal was a foul. I’m surprised it wasn’t given, and a consequence of that is Cristian Romero confronts the referee, earning himself a yellow card that impacts the game’s outcome,” Redknapp commented on Sky Sports.
“Romero’s actions are typical of him. He gets involved right in front of the referee, kicking out at someone. If my four-year-old did that, I would question their behavior.
“Konate initiates contact with Romero, knowing he won’t be penalized. But Romero can’t react like that. It’s absurd.”
Xavi Simons was dismissed just after the half-hour mark for a foul on his national team captain
In a post on Instagram, external, Simons apologized for his earlier attempted tackle on his Netherlands captain Van Dijk.
He wrote: “Mistakes happen. Virg is my captain, I would never intentionally hurt him or anyone. To my Spurs team-mates, my manager and the fans, I take responsibility, I’m really sorry.”
While Frank acknowledged that he has seen similar challenges result in the same punishment, he argued that it did not warrant a sending-off.
“I don’t believe [Simons’ challenge] merits a red card. It may be controversial to say, but in my view, it wasn’t reckless or excessively forceful,” Frank added.
“He was pursuing Van Dijk, attempting to apply pressure, and then changed direction. Unfortunately, his foot made contact with Achilles.
“One could argue for him to be more cautious, but is physical contact no longer permissible?
“Furthermore, if he receives a three-game suspension, which I disagree with, how can he be penalized for something that wasn’t reckless? That is entirely unjust, and we likely cannot appeal it.”
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