‘It’s just not clever…’ – Mike Dean instantly reacts to Cristian Romero controversy in Tottenham vs Brentford
Cristian Romero might have been fortunate to remain on the pitch during Tottenham’s clash with Brentford on Saturday.
Just four days before 6 December, Romero was Tottenham’s Player of the Match as he scored twice against Newcastle United, both equalisers at St James’ Park.
Against the Bees, the Argentine was rarely called upon, at least in the first half, but that did not stop the centre-half from getting involved, picking up a yellow card after just 31 minutes.
Hacking down Brentford’s in-form striker, Igor Thiago, with a reckless challenge, there was a VAR check on Spurs’ captain, but Rob Jones’ decision of a yellow card stood at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Reviewing the footage, Mike Dean was on the fence.
Cristian Romero was lucky to only receive a yellow card
Speaking live on Sky Sports (6 December, 3:33pm), the former referee said: “It’s one of those when he’s just come in. It’s just not clever… He’s got a bit of the ball, but it’s a scissor-challenge.
“It’s just about a yellow card, but it’s borderline. I think they’ll stick to the on-pitch decision,” to which Clinton Morrison responds: “What, is it an orange card?” as he laughs at his own joke.
Michael Kayode and Kristoffer Ajer both went into the referee’s notebook during the first half, but Romero’s challenge was by far the most dangerous during the opening 45 minutes.
Romero had only just returned from suspension against Newcastle, but two games later and the centre-half has already picked up another two cautions, surely leaving Thomas Frank with some concerns.
Tottenham’s captain is already a suspension risk again after missing the Fulham clash
The 27-year-old was missing for Spurs’ clash against Fulham, having picked up too many yellow cards in the Premier League, and that could already be a concern for his manager.
If the centre-back picks up three yellow cards in his next 17 league matches, he will pick up a two-game ban, which would be a major blow as the Lilywhites attempt to climb the table.
Kevin Danso has proven himself to be a smart acquisition, but there is absolutely no doubt that Micky van de Ven looks the most comfortable with Romero alongside him at the back.
Frank is coming under heavy pressure in North London, and if he is to survive the current wave of fan fury, he will need to avoid any further unnecessary setbacks on the pitch.