Cristian Romero’s recent Instagram post criticizing Tottenham’s board for limited squad depth backfired spectacularly. He highlighted the issue, stating, “We had only 11 players available – unbelievable but true and disgraceful,” with several teammates liking the message. Days later, Romero became the next absentee after receiving a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Casemiro during the loss to Manchester United.
Four-Game Suspension Looms
The incident marks Romero’s third suspension this season, leaving him two bookings from a fourth. He faces a four-game ban and cannot return in the Premier League until Tottenham’s visit to Anfield on March 15. This follows another needless red card against Liverpool in December, raising concerns for his comeback fixture.
Captaincy in Question
Manager Thomas Frank stands by his decision to name the Argentine defender captain, despite the irony. Frank explained, “He is one of the most important players.” Yet Romero’s dual role as Tottenham’s top talent and biggest liability persists. He excels with line-breaking passes, sharp finishing, and clutch injury-time goals, but suspensions render him useless.
Romero apologized in the dressing room, as reported by Frank and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. His fan-favorite jabs at the board may lose traction amid chants that faded after the early Old Trafford stages.
Alarmingly Poor Disciplinary Record
Frank downplayed the issue, claiming, “If you look at how many red cards he had, it is not like that he had that many.” Data contradicts this: since joining Tottenham four-and-a-half years ago, Romero has accumulated six red cards—more than any other Premier League player in that span.
His history includes:
- A rugby tackle on Lois Openda in Antonio Conte’s debut match against Vitesse Arnhem.
- Second yellow for fouling Jack Grealish against Manchester City.
- Dismissal for clattering Theo Hernandez in the Champions League loss to AC Milan.
- Red for sliding into Enzo Fernandez and earlier kick on Levi Colwill against Chelsea.
- Sending off for kicking Ibrahima Konate against Liverpool.
- Near-misses in both Brentford games this season.
Patterns emerge: reckless slides, studs-up tackles, and fouls in dangerous areas. Improved tackling technique and judgment could curb this, potentially justifying removal from captaincy despite backlash risks.
Tottenham’s Growing Injury Crisis
Romero’s ban exacerbates Spurs’ defensive shortages. Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, Kevin Danso, and Ben Davies were already out, with Destiny Udogie injured at Old Trafford. Time sidelined offers Romero reflection, as the board is not solely responsible for Frank’s depleted roster.
