Spurs' Romero gets additional one-match ban for 'improper' reaction

Tottenham Hotspur's Cristian Romero is shown a red card by referee John Brooks against Liverpool
Tottenham Hotspur's Cristian Romero is shown a red card by referee John Brooks against LiverpoolProfimedia

Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero has been handed a one-match suspension for his reaction to being sent off during last ​month's 2-1 Premier League loss to Liverpool, the FA said on Friday.

The centre back, ‌who received a second yellow card for kicking ‌out at Ibrahima Konate in added time, did not immediately leave the field after being given his marching orders and argued ⁠with the referee, leading to the FA ‌charging him for acting in an "improper" manner.

"The defender ​subsequently admitted the charge, and an independent regulatory commission has now imposed a one-match suspension and 50,000 pound after a hearing," the FA posted on X.

Romero, ‌who served his automatic one-match suspension in Spurs' 1-0 win at Crystal Palace on December 28th, now faces an additional game ⁠on the sidelines.

With Spurs 14th in the table and winless in their last three games, Romero apologised to the club's fans in a social media post, suggesting it should not be the players having to front up to the supporters.

Spurs manager Thomas Frank said on Thursday that Romero was a "young leader" who ⁠made a mistake, and that he and ‌the club's sporting director, Johan Lange, had met with him to discuss the post.

The North London club host Aston Villa in the FA Cup ⁠third round on Saturday.

Read our data-driven preview of Spurs v Aston Villa here.