‘Petulant’ Liverpool moment lands Tottenham star FA charge
Tottenham Hotspur’s fiery encounter with Liverpool on Saturday delivered yet another chapter of controversy, as the Reds emerged with a 2-1 victory in a match overshadowed by red cards, disputed decisions and simmering tension from start to finish.
Meetings between Spurs and Liverpool have rarely lacked drama, and this latest clash was no exception. While the scoreboard showed a narrow win for Liverpool, it barely reflected the chaos and intensity that unfolded on the pitch. The contest was shaped as much by officiating calls and flashpoints as it was by footballing quality, with Tottenham forced to dig deep after seeing two of their players sent off.
Liverpool ultimately ground out a hard-fought win, but they were made to work far harder than expected. Despite being reduced to nine men, Spurs showed resilience and spirit, repeatedly testing Liverpool’s resolve and refusing to fold under pressure. For long spells, the home side’s determination kept the outcome in doubt, highlighting the collective effort within Thomas Frank’s squad even in adverse circumstances.
The fallout from the match has continued in the days since. On Tuesday, Liverpool boss Arne Slot publicly criticised Micky van de Ven for a challenge on Alexander Isak, which he believes directly led to the striker fracturing his ankle. Slot’s comments added another layer to an already heated debate surrounding the officiating and physicality on display.
From the Tottenham camp, Thomas Frank was equally outspoken. The Spurs head coach insisted referee John Brooks got all three of his major decisions wrong, arguing that the dismissals of Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons were excessively harsh. Frank also claimed that Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike’s goal should not have stood, suggesting that crucial moments consistently went against his side.
Cristian Romero, in particular, found himself at the centre of the storm. Late in stoppage time, after Tottenham had been awarded a free-kick, the Argentine defender appeared to kick out at Ibrahima Konaté while attempting to get back to his feet. The incident resulted in a second yellow card and an automatic red, bringing his night to a bitter end. Former Premier League referee Darren Cann later described Romero’s actions as “petulant,” stating that the punishment handed out by Brooks was justified.
The controversy did not end with the final whistle. On Wednesday, the Football Association confirmed that Romero has been formally charged following his dismissal. The charge relates not to the challenge itself, but to his conduct after being sent off. According to the FA, the Tottenham captain is accused of failing to leave the pitch promptly and behaving inappropriately towards referee John Brooks.
An official FA statement read:
“Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero has been charged following their Premier League match against Liverpool on Saturday 20 December.
“It’s alleged that he acted in an improper manner by failing to promptly leave the field of play and/or behaving in a confrontational and/or aggressive manner towards the match referee after being sent off in the 93rd minute. Cristian Romero has until Friday 2 January 2026 to respond.”
As a result of the red card, Romero is already set to miss at least Sunday’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace. Speaking after the defeat, Frank reflected on his team’s discipline and acknowledged the need for greater composure. However, he also came to the defence of Romero, describing him as “passionate” and urging other senior players in the squad to step up with leadership when emotions run high.
This incident has reignited a familiar debate around Romero’s temperament. The 2022 World Cup winner is renowned for his aggressive, front-foot defending, but that same intensity has occasionally tipped over into recklessness. It is not the first time he has been dismissed in frustrating fashion, leaving his teammates to cope without him at a critical moment.
As captain and one of Tottenham’s most experienced figures, Romero carries added responsibility. Fans and pundits alike recognise his importance to the team, but there is growing hope that he can learn to channel his aggression more effectively. Spurs supporters will be eager to see their skipper lead by example in difficult situations, combining his edge with greater discipline to help guide the side through the challenges that lie ahead.