Tottenham captain Romero hit with extra ban and fine after Liverpool red card

Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero has been handed an additional one match suspension and fined £50,000 following his dismissal in last month’s defeat by Liverpool, further compounding a frustrating period for the North London club.

The Football Association confirmed that Romero admitted to a charge of acting improperly after failing to leave the pitch promptly when he was sent off deep into stoppage time during Tottenham’s 2 1 loss to Liverpool on December 20. The Argentine defender was shown a red card in the 93rd minute, but his reaction and delay in exiting the field led to further disciplinary action.

According to the FA, Romero’s conduct breached expected standards of behaviour, even after the initial red card decision had been made. By accepting the charge, Romero avoided a formal hearing, but the governing body still imposed an extra one match ban on top of the automatic suspension that comes with a dismissal. The £50,000 fine reflects the seriousness with which the FA views dissent and delays that disrupt the flow of matches.

The incident occurred at a tense moment late in the game, with Tottenham chasing an equaliser. Romero’s sending off effectively ended any remaining hopes of a comeback, and his visible frustration spilled over as he lingered on the pitch before eventually making his way off. Match officials reported the delay, triggering the FA’s review.

Romero, who has been a key figure in Tottenham’s defence and was named club captain earlier in the season, has developed a reputation as an aggressive and highly competitive centre back. While his intensity is often praised, it has also led to disciplinary problems, with the defender frequently walking a fine line in high pressure matches.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has previously spoken about the need for Romero to balance his passion with composure, particularly given his leadership role. Losing the captain for additional matches is a setback for Spurs, who have already faced defensive instability due to injuries and suspensions this season.

The extra ban means Romero will miss another league fixture beyond his standard suspension, forcing Tottenham to reshuffle at the back once again. With a congested schedule and crucial points at stake, the timing of the punishment adds to the club’s challenges.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have already moved on from the December encounter, but the match continues to have repercussions for Tottenham. The defeat marked another tight loss in a season where Spurs have struggled to convert strong performances into consistent results against top opposition.

The FA has repeatedly stressed the importance of players leaving the field immediately after being sent off, citing respect for officials and the need to keep matches under control. Recent seasons have seen stricter enforcement of rules surrounding dissent, time wasting and post decision behaviour, with fines and additional bans becoming more common.

For Romero, the sanction serves as a reminder that leadership brings additional scrutiny. As captain, his actions set the tone for teammates, and moments of frustration can carry wider consequences for the squad.

Tottenham have not issued a separate statement on the punishment, but Romero is expected to return once his suspension is fully served. How he responds on the pitch may be just as important as the games he misses, as Spurs look for stability and discipline during a demanding phase of the season.