Tottenham defender Cristian Romero has been described as “crazy” after he avoided a red card against Newcastle, despite being checked by VAR.
Tottenham beat Newcastle 4-1 on Sunday but were lucky to finish the game with 11 men after Romero recklessly attacked Callum Wilson and caught the striker’s ankle with his daggers as he lay on the ground.
Referee Chris Kavanagh penalised the Argentine defender but, unbelievably, VAR did not order him to change the penalty to a red. Video technology has already caused a lot of controversy this season, with every club in the Premier League feeling aggrieved at some point, and the Romero incident will only intensify calls for a change in the way decisions are made on the pitch.
Romero played only his second game since returning to action after a three-match suspension, which he earned for a challenge that saw him sent off during Spurs’ 4-1 defeat to Chelsea last month. He now needs just one more sending off to receive a one-match suspension for yellow card accumulation.
Commenting on the game for Sky Sports, Gary Neville said: “He got away with it this time, but one thing is for sure, Spurs will have to do something.”
The Manchester United legend said immediately after the attack, “He’s mad.”
Jamie Redknapp, Sky Sports commentator, added after the game: “I don’t think [Romero] will learn anything. I think it’s in him. He sees red and he uses it. Some players you can’t tame. He is one of them because he is very aggressive. In a way, that’s what makes him who he is, but every time I watch him I wonder if he’s going to score a goal or do something that could cost his team.”
After ending a run of five games without a win, the Spurs will look to build on their momentum against Nottingham Forest on Friday. If Romero is penalised, he will miss Spurs’ home meeting with Everton on 23 December.