Xavi Simons’ response to Tottenham outburst revealed as new drama erupts
Tottenham midfielder Xavi Simons has reacted to Cristian Romero’s message on social media after Wednesday’s defeat to Bournemouth.
Antoine Semenyo‘s stoppage-time stunner saw Tottenham lose 3-2 to Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, despite having taken the lead early on.
Mathys Tel found the opener, and Joao Palhinha would equalise in the second half after the Cherries had found a quick-fire double, but Thomas Frank would ultimately be left disappointed when Semenyo smashed in from range.
Frank has edged closer to the sack at Tottenham following the defeat, especially after the Dane was captured drinking from an Arsenal-branded cup in an embarrassing moment.
Senior Tottenham stars have been letting Frank down this season, and Romero likely did not aid the situation by targeting the board after the game.
Xavi Simons responds to Cristian Romero dig
Simons arrived at Tottenham in the summer, but he has failed to live up to the hype that surrounded him when he completed the big-money move from RB Leipzig.
The Netherlands international has scored just once in the Premier League this season, and has often let games pass him by.
| Xavi Simons | Premier League 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 15 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Chances created | 10 |
| Dispossessed | 16 |
| Fouls won | 19 |
That was not the case when Simons was sent off against Liverpool for leaving his studs up on Virgil van Dijk‘s calf, but that was likely not the type of impact Frank was hoping for.
The 22-year-old returned from suspension on Wednesday, and provided an assist for Tel’s opener.
In the aftermath of the defeat, however, Romero took to social media to apologise to the fans. In a lengthy statement, the Argentine accepted accountability for the poor form but stressed the difficulty of the circumstances, too.
“At times like this, it should be other people coming out to speak, but they don’t — as has been happening for several years now,” he wrote. “They only show up when things are going well.”
It can only be assumed that Romero’s words were targeted towards the Tottenham board, including key figures such as Vinai Venkatesham and Peter Charrington.
The defender had initially accused the hierarchy of telling lies, but later edited his post. Joining teammates Richarlison, Pedro Porro and Radu Dragusin, Simons liked the post.
Micky van de Ven scenes sum up Tottenham mood
Immediately after the final whistle, Micky van de Ven appeared to make a bee-line for the away end.
Pointing and shouting, he appeared to take issue with something that had been said by a particular Tottenham fan, with security forced to guide him away.
Porro was involved in a similar situation, before Frank was booed by the away fans as he appeared to thank them for their support.
The scenes summed up what has become an incredibly toxic situation at Tottenham. Europa League success in May papered over cracks for a while, but the North London club now look on the verge of disaster.