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Romero’s Red Card Nightmare: Why Spurs’ Captain Has Become a Liability

Cristian Romero has been up in the headlines this week after he made comments on the lack of players available in Tottenham's first team squad, however the captain has gone and put a further dent in this issue by going and getting himself sent off by a straight red card just 29 minutes into the match against Manchester United, putting his team in massive jeopardy as they went on to lose 2-0 at Old Trafford.

This has sparked massive outrage from Spurs and football fans alike as this is now the fourth time that Romero has got a red card in the Premier League, with all of these being in massive games against the big six where the margins are small and they need everyone to perform. Their captain however, speaks out about the issues but doesn't take accountability for the issues he is causing himself.

Romero is such a coward. Fakes the hard man act and plays football like a bull in a china shop, thinking he’s helping but really - he’s just a problem for his team and those around him.

I’ve never got it with him and don’t understand why Spurs fans are so desperate to back him.
— Phil Costa (@_PhilCosta) February 7, 2026

Leadership Issues?

It raises serious questions about Romero’s leadership and temperament at the very highest level. When margins are as fine as they are in games against elite opposition, moments of indiscipline can completely undo any tactical plan or momentum, and Spurs have now been burned by this exact issue time and time again. A captain is supposed to lead by example, especially in adversity, yet Romero continues to let emotion override responsibility when his side can least afford it.

We were well in the game and he’s fucked it. I love Romero, but if you’re going to (rightly) call out the board for weakening the squad, you’ve got to hold yourself to the same standard and keep your head there with the mess we’re in. Lose this and WHU win we’re bang in trouble.
— Ben Bowman 🏆🏆🏆 (@ben_bowman_) February 7, 2026

What makes the situation even more frustrating for Tottenham supporters is that this is not an isolated incident or an unlucky mistimed challenge. There is now a clear pattern emerging, with Romero repeatedly losing his head in the biggest fixtures of the season. Four red cards in the Premier League is a worrying statistic in itself, but the fact that all have come against fellow members of the so-called ‘big six’ only amplifies the damage he is causing. These are the games that define seasons, and Spurs are repeatedly being left to fight with ten men because their most senior defender cannot keep his discipline.

Mid-week comments

His outspoken comments earlier in the week only add fuel to the fire. While there may be some truth in concerns over squad depth and availability, it is difficult to sympathise when Romero is actively contributing to those very problems. By getting himself suspended yet again, he is leaving Thomas Frank with fewer options, more disruption and another headache in an already turbulent campaign.

Spurs captain Cristian Romero on Instagram just after the transfer window closed. pic.twitter.com/pibje4lhbV
— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) February 2, 2026

With reports suggesting his future in north London is far from secure, performances like this do little to convince anyone that he is indispensable. Talent has never been Romero’s issue, his aggression, anticipation and defensive quality are clear to see... but football at the top level demands control as well as intensity. Until he proves he can channel that aggression in the right way, Tottenham will continue to suffer, and questions over whether he is more liability than leader will only grow louder.

That red card now means Romero will miss the next four matches through suspension, a costly blow at a crucial point in the season. Most notably, he will be unavailable for the North London Derby against Arsenal, a fixture where leadership and composure are essential, further highlighting the damage his lack of discipline continues to cause for Tottenham when they need him most.