Christian Romero (Tottenham), who received the captain's armband from Son Heung-min (LAFC), had the worst of nights. After delivering a crippling blow to his team with a red card, he became the center of controversy by being charged by the Football Association (FA) for his conduct after the match.
Football London reported on the 25th (KST) that the FA has officially charged Romero. According to the report, the FA judged that Romero made inappropriate gestures toward referee John Brooks immediately after being sent off in the Liverpool match. Romero must submit a written explanation by Jan. 2 next year, and further disciplinary action may follow depending on the outcome.
The controversial scene occurred in the Premier League round 17 match against Liverpool on the 21st. Tottenham had already been reduced to ten men when Radu Simoes was sent off in the 30th minute of the first half. Even so, the team revived momentum with Richarlison's late equalizing pursuit goal in the second half, but Romero's actions cut off all that flow.
Romero could not contain his emotions after a collision with Ibrahima Konaté in stoppage time of the second half. After falling from the foul, he made a retaliatory motion of lifting his leg, which immediately led to a second yellow card and a red card. Tottenham lost the momentum for a final comeback, and the match ended in a 1-2 defeat.
The FA focused on Romero's behavior toward the referee after that scene. It judged that his conduct during the match's conclusion was problematic beyond the simple sending-off, and the charging process proceeded.
There was no excuse for his performance itself. Romero directly contributed to the circumstances leading to the opening goal, and he lost out in challenges leading to the second goal. Throughout the match, shaky decisions and excessive displays of emotion were repeated, and at critical moments he made choices that made things harder for the team, inviting criticism. The composure and sense of responsibility expected of a captain were hard to find.
Fans' reactions were equally cold. Spurs Web, which covers Tottenham news, gave Romero a harsh rating of 1 out of 10 immediately after the Liverpool match.
Spurs Web described Romero's performance as a "veteran who greatly harmed the team." It added, "He was involved in every conceding scene and failed to show anything impressive. In a situation aiming for an equalizer, he was even sent off, driving the team into a corner."
Romero was named Tottenham captain this season following Son Heung-min's departure from the team at the end of last season. However, instability has not diminished since he took the armband. He is among the players with the most yellow cards in the Premier League this season and has consistently sparked controversy for frequent fouls and rough play.
This Liverpool match was one where all those problems exploded at once. From contributing to the goals conceded, failing to control his emotions, getting sent off, to being charged after the match, it had a negative impact on team morale. It inevitably raises questions about his leadership as captain.
Depending on additional disciplinary measures, Romero's absence could be extended. With Tottenham going through a difficult period, the added risk posed by the captaincy is expected to place considerable strain on defensive management.
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