Gary Neville has slammed “mad” Cristian Romero and believes the Tottenham defender should have been sent off during their 4-1 win over Newcastle.
Richarlison’s brace and goals from Destiny Udogie and Son Heung-min earned Ange Postecoglou’s side a comfortable victory in north London, despite Joelinton’s late consolation. It’s a result that ends Tottenham’s five-match winless run and moves them to within three points of the Champions League places.
However, Tottenham were fortunate to finish the match with 11 players on the pitch, according to Neville. The Sky Sports pundit believes that Romero should have received a straight red card for a tackle on Callum Wilson in the 81st minute while Spurs were 3-0 up.
Romero caught Wilson with his studs on the ankle and followed through on the Newcastle forward, leaving his opponent stricken on the floor. He was handed a yellow card for his troubles and VAR took a closer look at the incident, but decided not to send Romero off.
“He’s mad him, honestly,” Neville lambasted. “Absolutely mad. I think it’s a red card at first look. He’s crazy, Romero. He always has to tackle. Slowing players down doesn’t come into his head.
“For me it’s a red. I have very little sympathy with him. He’s just gone straight over the ball into his ankle. He’s defenceless.”
Cristian Romero was fortunate to not receive a red card against Newcastle, according to Gary Neville
Former Tottenham centre-back Michael Dawson agreed with Neville and felt Romero was lucky not to be handed a red card. “I thought it was stupid,” Dawson said. “No need to make the challenge, 3-0 up and you’re in cruise control.
“He goes over the top and I think he’s very fortunate. No need to make that. That is stupidity, he’s just come back from suspension. It could’ve been very costly.”
Jamie Redknapp added: “It’s spiteful. It’s just going to cost your team. There are so many times he could get sent off. Someone told me he’s vice captain, he has to set an example. You’re already short without [Micky] van de Ven. He sees red, it’s in him. There’s some players, you can’t tame them. He has that aggression.”
As for the game itself, Son impressed for Tottenham as he grabbed one goal and two assists. Speaking after the match, the Tottenham winger was pleased as his side bounced back from going five without a win.
Richarlison celebrates after scoring for Tottenham against Newcastle (
Getty Images)
“Obviously, when you’re winning the game you enjoy it more,” Son said. “Bouncing back like that was important, we don’t want to make mistakes. I hope we can continue to perform like this and stay humble.
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