‘What is he doing’: Jamie O’Hara furious after seeing what £42m Tottenham star did vs Bodo/Glimt last night
Tottenham Hotspur took a significant step toward the Europa League final with a commanding 3-1 victory over Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their semifinal clash.
Goals from Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, and Dominic Solanke ensured Spurs head to Norway with a comfortable cushion, but one moment overshadowed an otherwise dominant performance Cristian Romero’s unnecessary aggression, which left former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara fuming.
The Argentine defender, signed permanently for £42.5 million in 2022, has long been a polarizing figure. On his day, he ranks among the Premier League’s elite center-backs—composed, aggressive, and technically gifted.
Yet, his temperament remains a persistent issue, and Thursday night provided another example of his self-destructive tendencies.
For 73 minutes, Romero was impeccable. He marshaled Tottenham’s backline with authority, won a crucial penalty at the other end, and seemed destined for a flawless performance.
Then, in a moment of inexplicable recklessness, he shoved Bodo/Glimt’s Jostein Gundersen off the ball. The incident was needless, avoidable, and entirely deliberate—earning him a yellow card that could have been far costlier.
O’Hara, never one to mince words, took to social media to vent his frustration. “What is Romero doing like seriously why do that,” he tweeted, accompanied by an angry emoji. The outburst captured the collective exasperation of Spurs fans, who have grown weary of Romero’s disciplinary lapses.
Romero’s brilliance is undeniable, but so is his propensity for chaos. Over the past two seasons, he has accumulated needless suspensions, endangered his team with reckless challenges, and now risks undermining Tottenham’s European campaign.
His latest booking marked his second consecutive yellow in the Europa League, raising concerns about his availability for a potential final.
Fortunately for Spurs, UEFA’s rules offer some relief. Yellow cards were wiped after the quarterfinals, meaning Romero could theoretically be booked again in the second leg without facing suspension. However, a red card would rule him out of the final—a scenario that feels all too plausible given his track record.
Postecoglou’s Dilemma
Ange Postecoglou faces a delicate balancing act. Romero’s defensive prowess is irreplaceable, but his volatility is a liability.
With Tottenham on the cusp of a major final, the manager must decide whether to trust his vice-captain or take preventative measures. Dropping him would be drastic, but another moment of madness could prove catastrophic.
The second leg in Norway demands professionalism. Bodo/Glimt, despite being outclassed in London, remain dangerous—especially if Spurs grow complacent.
Romero’s leadership will be crucial, but only if he channels his aggression productively. Another lapse could not only jeopardize his own participation in the final but also destabilize a backline that has often relied on his composure under pressure.
A Test of Maturity
At 26, Romero should be entering his prime as a defender. Yet, his disciplinary record suggests a player still struggling to control his impulses.
The best defenders dominate through intelligence, not just intensity. If Romero aspires to be truly world-class, he must eliminate these moments of recklessness—starting now, with so much at stake.
Tottenham’s Europa League destiny remains in their hands. A composed performance in the second leg should see them through to Bilbao, where a showdown with Manchester United potentially awaits. But Romero’s role in that journey hinges on his ability to stay disciplined. For Spurs’ sake—and his own—he cannot afford another costly mistake.
O’Hara’s anger was justified. Romero’s talent deserves admiration, but his lapses invite frustration. If Tottenham are to end their trophy drought, they need their fiery defender at his best—not at his most reckless. The next 90 minutes could define his season, and perhaps his legacy at the club.