Cristian Romero will miss Tottenham Hotspur’s next four matches after the Premier League confirmed a four-game suspension following his straight red card against Manchester United.
The incident occurred in the 29th minute of Spurs’ defeat at Old Trafford, a match previewed by SoftFootball on the clash between the revived Red Devils and Tottenham. Referee Michael Oliver sent Romero off for a dangerous challenge on Casemiro, with VAR supporting the decision due to excessive force and the risk posed to the opponent.
The dismissal compounds a difficult period for Tottenham, who are already struggling for consistency this season. Romero’s ban, shared by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account, was extended to four games because it was his second red card of the 2025–26 campaign, following an earlier sending off against Liverpool in December.
Fabrizio Romano posted:
Cuti Romero to miss next four games following red card against Man United.
Newcastle
Arsenal
Fulham
Palace
Out for North London Derby.
As outlined in SoftFootball’s coverage of Spurs’ dramatic draw with Manchester City, discipline has become a growing concern within the squad, especially for a player who now wears the captain’s armband. The Argentine defender will be unavailable for matches against Newcastle United, Arsenal, Fulham and Crystal Palace.
The standout absence is the North London Derby against Arsenal, a fixture where Romero’s aggression and leadership are usually central to Spurs’ approach. His suspension removes a key defensive presence and leaves the back line further exposed at a time when Tottenham sit in the lower half of the table.
Reaction to the tackle was swift and critical. Pundits described the challenge as reckless, pointing out that Romero did not need to follow through with such force. Fans also voiced frustration, arguing that the centre back has hurt the team again at a crucial stage of the season. While his intensity is often praised, many believe it crosses the line too often.
The timing of the ban also follows Romero’s recent public comments about squad depth, which drew attention after Spurs dropped points against Manchester City. Manager Thomas Frank has since urged calm, stressing the need for leadership through actions rather than words.
Romero is expected to return for Tottenham’s home clash with Liverpool in mid-March, but his absence over the next month could have a defining impact on Spurs’ season.
