Frank defends Romero after red card as Spurs fall at old trafford

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank described events as a “perfect storm” after Cristian Romero was sent off during Spurs’ 2-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford, Sport360NG reports.

Romero’s dismissal came midway through the first half of a match that was still goalless, following a forceful challenge on United midfielder Casemiro. The incident capped a turbulent week for the Argentine defender, who had already drawn headlines after publicly criticising Tottenham’s hierarchy over a perceived lack of investment in the squad.

Once again, Frank was left to defend his captain.

The Spurs boss confirmed Romero apologised to his team-mates in the dressing room, having previously insisted that excessive focus had been placed on the defender’s recent social media comments, which he framed as an expression of leadership and passion.

The decisive moment occurred when Romero slightly overhit a pass and arrived late in the challenge. As Casemiro’s touch lifted the ball, Romero’s follow-through caught the Brazilian high on the shin before he was able to play the ball. Though marginal, the contact proved costly in a league where timing errors are often punished severely.

According to the Premier League Match Centre, the tackle met the criteria for serious foul play, citing excessive force and danger to an opponent. Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann supported the decision, praising referee Michael Oliver’s positioning and judgment.

Frank stopped short of disputing the red card itself.

“A red card is a red card,” he said. “I’ve watched it back several times and he was clearly trying to play the ball.”

The dismissal means Romero will serve a four-match suspension, having already been sent off earlier in the season against Liverpool. He is not expected to return to domestic action until Tottenham’s league meeting with Liverpool on March 15.

The statistics surrounding Romero’s discipline remain concerning. He is now the first player to receive two red cards in the Premier League this season and has accumulated four league dismissals since joining Tottenham in 2021, more than any other player in that period. In total, he has been sent off six times for the club.

Despite his record, Romero is expected to retain the captaincy, with Frank continuing to back the defender amid growing scrutiny.