Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero has been handed an additional one-match suspension following his red card against Liverpool last month, further compounding Spurs’ disciplinary frustrations during an already difficult period.
The Argentine defender was initially sent off during Tottenham’s dramatic 2-1 Premier League defeat at home, a game that quickly spiralled out of control for the north London side.
Romero received two yellow cards on the night, the first for dissent after Hugo Ekitike found the net, and the second deep into stoppage time when he lashed out at Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate as Spurs desperately chased a late equaliser.
While the red card itself was not disputed, it was Romero’s reaction afterward that has now resulted in extra punishment. The centre-back reacted angrily to referee John Brooks, protesting the decision and failing to leave the pitch immediately.
His response was seen as confrontational, and he eventually made his way down the tunnel as Tottenham were left to finish the match with just nine players.
The situation was made worse by the earlier dismissal of Xavi Simons, who was shown a red card after a VAR review upgraded his first-half yellow card for a challenge on Virgil van Dijk. That decision left Spurs badly exposed for large portions of the match, and the loss ultimately added to a growing sense of frustration around the club.
Following the incident, the Football Association charged Romero with acting in an improper manner, citing his failure to promptly leave the field of play and his aggressive behaviour toward the referee after being sent off. After reviewing the charge, Tottenham opted not to appeal the decision, meaning Romero has accepted the ruling in full.
As a result, the 27-year-old will now miss Tottenham’s FA Cup clash against Aston Villa this weekend, a significant blow given his importance to the team and the need for experience in high-pressure matches.
The suspension does not extend beyond that, however, and Romero will be available again for Spurs’ Premier League fixture against West Ham on January 17.
In addition to the extra ban, Romero has also been fined £50,000, a reminder of how seriously the FA views player conduct toward match officials. While his passion and aggression are often praised by supporters, this latest episode highlights the fine line between leadership and costly indiscipline.
For Tottenham, Romero’s absence comes at an awkward time. Defensive consistency has been an issue this season, and losing their captain for a cup tie only adds to the challenges facing the squad. It also places extra responsibility on the remaining defenders to step up and maintain composure in a game that could shape Spurs’ momentum moving forward.
Romero’s return against West Ham will be welcomed, but this incident serves as a lesson for both player and club. Spurs cannot afford to lose key figures through avoidable suspensions, especially during a season where stability and discipline are already in short supply.
