Cristian Romero In Danger Of Longer Ban Following Furious Confrontation With Referee

Cristian Romero could face an extended suspension after being charged by England’s Football Association for failing to leave the field and displaying “aggressive” behaviour following his dismissal in Tottenham

Hotspur’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool last Saturday. The Spurs captain received a second yellow card for kicking out at Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, leading to his ejection by referee John Brooks.

Romero’s expulsion reduced Spurs to nine men, as Xavi Simons had already been sent off for serious foul play in the first half. The Argentine centre-back was initially booked for dissent after complaining he had been pushed by Hugo Ekitike during Liverpool’s second goal.

As a result of the red card, Romero will serve a one-match ban and miss Sunday’s away game against London rivals Crystal Palace. However, he now risks further punishment and a longer ban if found guilty. He has until January 2 to respond to the charge issued on Wednesday.

Tottenham will visit Brentford on New Year’s Day, host Sunderland on January 4, and travel to Bournemouth three days later.

The FA stated that Romero is accused of “acting in an improper manner by failing to promptly leave the field and/or behaving in a confrontational and/or aggressive manner towards the match referee after being sent off in the 93rd minute.”

Heading into the match, Romero had accumulated seven bookings in the Premier League this season. Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank criticised referee Brooks for sending Romero off.

“There was a massive mistake by John on the pitch,” Frank said. “Two hands on the back by Ekitike. I don’t understand how he didn’t see it. OK, luckily we have VAR to bail you out when needed, which they didn’t. That was the second mistake.”

Frank added, “If you go back to the second Liverpool goal and the referee did his job, it would not have been a first yellow for Romero. Is that fair to say? I have a player that is extremely passionate, and sometimes you need to go to the line with such a player.”

The defeat left Spurs in 14th place in the table, increasing the pressure on Frank, who took over after Ange Postecoglou was sacked in June.