Referee John Brooks deliberately chose not to issue a straight red card when dismissing Cristian Romero during Tottenham’s 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 was clearly at fault after lashing out at Ibrahima Konaté. Both sets of supporters were frustrated with Brooks throughout the match on 20 December, and PGMOL boss Howard Webb may feel the official failed to fully control proceedings following two red-card incidents.
There was little debate when Xavi Simons was sent off for his challenge on Virgil van Dijk, and Brooks attempted to calm tensions. Romero, however, escalated matters. After an altercation that saw both players on the ground, the Argentine kicked Konaté in the stomach and was punished for his involvement — a decision few disputed.
Romero will now miss at least one match, but instead of receiving a straight red, he was shown a second yellow card. As a result, Tottenham have no right of appeal.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett said:
“There is no defence for Romero’s action of kicking out at an opponent while they’re both on the floor. It was clearly reckless and worthy of a yellow card. As it was his second booking, the red card was justified.”
When asked whether a straight red could have been given, Hackett added:
“It certainly could have been a straight red. But the referee knew Romero was already on a yellow and opted for a second booking, fully aware that this removes any possibility of an appeal.”
The dismissal is particularly costly, as Romero had only just returned from suspension in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle United. Thomas Frank will now be without his captain for Tottenham’s trip to Selhurst Park on Sunday, 28 December.
Jamie Redknapp also criticised Romero’s behaviour, remarking that even his four-year-old child would not have acted in such a way. While baffled, the pundit admitted he was not surprised, stating: “What Romero did is what Romero does” on Sky Sports — a fair assessment given the defender’s disciplinary record.
With ongoing speculation surrounding Romero’s future and interest from major European clubs, this latest incident may further encourage Frank and Tottenham to consider cashing in on the 27-year-old.
