Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham on February 7 was overshadowed by controversy. Bryan Mbuemo and Bruno Fernandes helped secure all three points for the Red Devils at Old Trafford. However, Spurs were left with 10 players for most of the match after Cristian Romero was sent off for a reckless challenge on Casemiro.
The red card decision changed the course of the game, and former referee Keith Hackett criticized the PGMOL, the body responsible for overseeing match officials.
Hackett agreed with the red card but pointed out Tottenham’s frustration over inconsistent officiating across the Premier League. Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “Romero made a serious foul play that warranted a red card. However, we’ve seen similar challenges go unpunished. What the PGMOL needs is consistency in how these decisions are made.”
Why Romero Shouldn’t Be Tottenham’s Captain
Romero’s reckless behavior makes him an unsuitable leader for a club aiming to compete for top honors. His red card against United marked his fourth in the Premier League, tying him with Younes Kaboul for the most red cards in Spurs’ history.
Tottenham need a captain who can stay composed under pressure, not someone who repeatedly makes costly mistakes. Romero’s actions often put his team at a disadvantage, and his behavior this season—including the recent sending off—reflects poorly on his leadership qualities.
Romero’s stats this season:
Matches: 21
Goals: 4
Red cards: 2
Yellow cards: 8
Hackett is right: while Spurs can argue about the lack of consistency in other decisions, they can’t ignore Romero’s constant mistakes. His outbursts about transfers followed by his latest red card show that he’s not the right figure to lead the squad. If Tottenham’s leadership fails to address this, the club may struggle to reach the level of success they’re aiming for, as Romero’s impulsive decisions could continue to hurt them in key moments.
