Frank backs Romero as Spurs captain despite red card at Manchester United

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 undesirable. Following last Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City Romero described Spurs’ squad as “disgraceful”.

This called into question his status as captain after he previously suggested the ownership had greater responsibility for performance after the 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth in early January.

Then, he wrote: “They only show up when things are going well, to tell a few lies.” Romero later deleted the reference to lies.

Romero, who will not be available until 15 March so will miss the games against Newcastle, Arsenal, Fulham and Crystal Palace, 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. His total of six red cards in all competitions since Romero’s debut for Spurs in August 2021 is the most of any Premier League player.

Frank was asked if he will consider removing the captaincy from Romero. “No, I think it is fair to say he doesn’t have any intention to get a red card after 28 minutes,” said the head coach.

It was put to Frank that Romero not knowing what he was about to do was perhaps more concerning. “That’s your perception,” he said. “No there is not any regret in making him captain and also he is sorry for the incident. He apologised to his teammates in the dressing room. He is one of the most important players. We haven’t spoken specifically about this – he apologised to the players in there, that is enough for me for now. If you look at how many red cards he had, it is not like that he had that many, when you play with passion and aggression.”

When Frank was informed of Romero’s red card record since joining Spurs, the Dane said: “Of Premier League players? I didn’t know that.”

While Romero also has eight yellow cards, two more from a fifth ban of the season, Michael Carrick was pleased with United’s fourth consecutive Premier League win under him. The run is the club’s first of that length since February 2024 and was secured by from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes.

The interim manager said: “The connection with everyone has been the most pleasing thing. We all know that what goes on the pitch is really important, but the emotion with players and the staff is good. Seeing the stadium in that way gives me a lot of satisfaction as much as the type of football and tactical and technical side.