Head coach says defender apologised to he and his team
‘There is not any regret in making him captain’
Thomas Frank will not consider stripping Cristian Romero of the Tottenham captaincy despite the defender invoking a four-game ban after he was sent off in the 2–0 defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday. It was Romero’s second red card in 10 matches following his two yellows in the 2-1 defeat at Liverpool on 20 December and the ban is his fourth this season.
Romero’s off-field conduct has also been a source of concern for the Spurs manager. Following last Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City, Romero described the depth of Spurs’ squad as “disgraceful”. The outburst on social media called into question his status as captain after the Argentinian was critical of the club’s ownership following the 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth in early January. “They only show up when things are going well, to tell a few lies,” Romero posted on social media, but later deleted the reference to lies.
Romero will not be available until 15 March and will miss Spurs’ games against Newcastle, Arsenal, Fulham and Crystal Palace. He was issued a straight red card against United by Michael Oliver on 29 minutes after the referee judged his stamp on Casemiro’s left ankle a dangerous challenge. Romero’s six red cards in all competitions since making his debut for Spurs in August 2021 is the most of any Premier League player in that period.
