Xavi Simons has spoken out for the first time after being sent off in Tottenham's 2-1 defeat against Liverpool on Saturday afternoon, responding to the decision with a message to Virgil Van Dijk.
Following a tepid start to the game, Spurs' ambitions were dealt a huge blow when their Dutch midfielder's studs caught Van Dijk's leg in a nasty challenge. Following a VAR intervention, the referee was sent to the pitchside monitor, upgrading his decision to a red card.
Simons' sending off ultimately cost Thomas Frank's side the game, with Liverpool in the ascendency for most of the remaining 57 minutes. Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike put the visitors in front, although Richarlison did manage to grab one back for the hosts before Cristian Romero became the second Tottenham player to earn a red card.
Simons Sends Message to Van Dijk After Tottenham 1-2 Liverpool
After being given his marching orders, Simons appeared to be visibly emotional as he left the pitch. He's endured a difficult start to life in north London, with Frank still figuring out how to get the best out of him.
However, in a message on social media, the 22-year-old took the time to speak on the decision and send a message to Van Dijk, who offered consolation as he trudged off the pitch. In a post on Instagram, he wrote: "Mistakes happen. VIrg is my captain, I would never intentionally hurt him of anyone.
"To my Spurs teammates, my manager and fans, I take responsibility, I'm really sorry."
Check Out Simons' Post Below:
Frank Not Happy With Simons Red Card Decision
Tottenham manager Frank was asked to give his thoughts on the decision after the game in an interview with Match of the Day, with the Danish head coach expressing his unhappiness. He believes that the tackle from Simons lacked enough force to merit a red card, insisting that it was only worthy of a yellow.
"The way they responded to several setbacks was immense. The first one is the first red, which I think... I've seen it given before but I don't like it. I don't like those types of red cards because I think the game is gone if that's a red card.
"I don't think it's reckless tackle. I don't think it's exceptional force. We have the referee call and that was a yellow so that's why I don't think that's a red."
Simons' dismissal means that he will now miss three games of action, dealing Frank a blow as he bids to navigate a busy Christmas fixture list. The midfielder won't be available for games against Crystal Palace, Brentford and Sunderland, three sides who are all more than capable of getting a result against Spurs.