Xavi Simons received the first straight red card of his senior career, marking a dismal low point in his tumultuous start at Tottenham. The Dutchman was given his marching orders for a reckless studs-up tackle on Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk, a challenge that left fans and pundits stunned.
Simons was initially shown a yellow card for the tackle, but VAR deemed it serious foul play and intervened, prompting referee John Brooks to upgrade the punishment to a straight red. The decision was made after officials at Stockley Park advised Brooks to review the footage, and he ultimately agreed that the challenge warranted a red card.
“What’s he doing, Simons?” former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara exclaimed on talkSPORT. “He’s not one of those players who goes into people, but I don’t know what he’s thinking. The ball’s not even there to win. He’s gone to close Van Dijk down, I think he’s tried to put his foot to the left of Van Dijk to block him off, but Van Dijk has gone that way too and he’s caught him.”
O’Hara continued, “Is that really a red card? Yes, I guess it is. I understand it. What is he doing? He was playing alright as well, but he’s just killed us.”
Gary Neville was equally scritical, telling Sky Sports, “That wasn’t clever. He was never going to get there. He rakes his studs right down Van Dijk. It’s a poor, poor challenge. He is absolutely nowhere near the football. Malicious, nasty, reckless? Whatever you want to call it. Stupidity. I can see why it’s being checked. It’s a ridiculous challenge. Virgil van Dijk is six foot four and 15 stone. If it is the other way around, it’s a leg breaker.”
The Premier League Match Centre issued a statement, saying, “After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of yellow card to Simons and issued a red card for serious foul play.” The referee’s announcement echoed this, stating, “After review, the Tottenham No.7, with studs, catches the Liverpool player [No.4] on the calf high – it’s an act of serious foul play. My final decision is red card.”
Simons’ struggles at Spurs continue, having endured a difficult start since signing from RB Leipzig in the summer for £52million. The 22-year-old had only two assists in his first 18 appearances, though he enjoyed a stronger start to December after a spell out of the side. He scored his first Tottenham goal on his last home outing – a 2-0 win over Brentford – before another strike in Europe days later. This red card, however, may undo his recent progress.
