John Brooks consciously denies Cristian Romero chance of appeal after Tottenham red vs Liverpool
John Brooks made a conscious decision not to brandish a straight red card when sending off Cristian Romero during Tottenham Hotspur’s fiery clash with Liverpool on Saturday.
That is the view of former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett, who told Football Insider that the Spurs captain left the referee with little choice after lashing out at Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté. While the final outcome was a dismissal, the manner in which it was delivered has sparked plenty of debate.
Brooks endured a torrid evening at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, drawing the ire of supporters from both sides throughout the 90 minutes on 20 December. With two red cards shown and tempers boiling over, questions have been raised about whether the referee asserted enough control over a highly charged contest. PGMOL chief Howard Webb may well feel that the game required a firmer hand from the man in the middle.
There was little controversy surrounding Xavi Simons’ dismissal earlier in the match, with most observers agreeing that his challenge on Virgil van Dijk warranted a red card. Brooks appeared keen thereafter to prevent the fixture from descending into chaos, but Romero’s actions ensured further drama.
Following an altercation that saw both players tumble to the turf, the Argentine centre-back kicked out at Konaté, catching him in the stomach while they were on the ground. It was an indefensible act, and Romero was punished for his involvement in the incident. Few argued with the decision to send him off, particularly given his role as club captain.
However, instead of producing a straight red card, Brooks opted to issue a second yellow, which automatically resulted in Romero’s dismissal. That distinction is crucial, as it removes any possibility of Tottenham appealing the decision. As a result, Spurs will definitely be without Romero for at least one match.
Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett was unequivocal in his assessment of the incident.
“There is no excuse from Romero for his action of kicking out on his opponent while they’re both lying on the ground,” he said.
“It was a clear reckless act and a yellow card. It was his second yellow card of the game, so he was rightly shown the red.”
When asked whether the challenge could have justified a straight red card, Hackett went further.
“It could have easily been a straight red,” he explained. “The fact that the referee is aware that the player is already on a yellow, he went for the second yellow knowing there is no route for appeal.”
The timing of the incident only compounds Tottenham’s frustration. Romero had only just returned from suspension for the 2-2 draw with Newcastle United, and head coach Thomas Frank must now plan without one of his most influential defenders for the trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace on Sunday, 28 December.
Jamie Redknapp baffled by Romero’s behaviour
Among those left unimpressed by Romero’s actions was Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, who delivered a withering verdict on the defender’s lapse in discipline. Redknapp joked that not even his four-year-old child would behave in such a manner, highlighting just how unnecessary the kick appeared.
Yet, despite his criticism, Redknapp admitted he was hardly shocked. “What Romero did is what Romero does,” he remarked on Sky Sports, a comment that resonated with many given the centre-back’s long-standing reputation for walking a disciplinary tightrope.
Romero’s latest sending-off has only intensified speculation about his future in north London. With several European heavyweights reportedly monitoring the 27-year-old’s situation, his repeated disciplinary issues may tempt Thomas Frank and the club hierarchy to consider cashing in sooner rather than later.
As debates continue over refereeing standards, player discipline, and PGMOL oversight, one thing is clear: Romero’s moment of recklessness has once again cost Tottenham at a crucial time in the season.