Gary Neville and several other Sky Sports pundits have taken aim at Cristian Romero for his reckless challenge on Callum Wilson towards the dying stages of Tottenham’s win over Newcastle United.
Romero only returned from a three-game suspension against West Ham on Thursday after being shown a straight red for a challenge on Enzo Fernandez in the London derby last month.
The Argentine was certainly a big miss for Ange Postecoglou’s men, especially since they are also without the injured Micky van de Ven.
Should Cristian Romero have been sent off?
The 25-year-old has proved a reassuring presence at the back in the two matches since his return but he risked yet another sending-off against the Magpies as he caught Callum Wilson on his ankle with his studs in the 80th minute.
Referee Chris Kavanagh gave the Tottenham man a yellow but Neville believes the centre-back was very lucky to escape a red card.
The former Man Utd man told Sky Sports (10/12/23 via The Mirror) about Romero: “He’s mad him, honestly. Absolutely mad. I think it’s a red card at first look. He’s crazy, Romero.
“He always has to tackle. Slowing players down doesn’t come into his head. For me it’s a red. I have very little sympathy with him. He’s just gone straight over the ball into his ankle. He’s defenceless.”
Former Tottenham duo, Michael Dawson and Jamie Redknapp, agreed with Neville’s assessment, with the former pointing out that it could have been very costly for the Lilywhites.
Dawson said about Romero’s challenge: “I thought it was stupid. No need to make the challenge, 3-0 up and you’re in cruise control.
“He goes over the top and I think he’s very fortunate. No need to make that. That is stupidity, he’s just come back from suspension. It could’ve been very costly.”
Redknapp termed the challenge as ‘spiteful’ and suggested that the centre-back is not showing the kind of responsibility one expects from a leader.
He stated: “It’s spiteful. It’s just going to cost your team. There are so many times he could get sent off. Someone told me he’s vice-captain, he has to set an example.
“You’re already short without [Micky] van de Ven. He sees red, it’s in him. There are some players, you can’t tame them. He has that aggression.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I do not think we could have had any complaints had the referee brandished a red card for Romero as it was an extremely reckless challenge. I fully expect Postecoglou to discuss the tackle with the 25-year-old and to sternly let the centre-back know that his behaviour is unacceptable.