Cristian Romero was forced to come off during Tottenham Hotspur's clash against Sunderland. The Lilywhites defender suffered a knock following a collision with Antonín Kinský and, after an eight-minute stoppage in play, he left the field in tears.
Midway through the second half, Brian Brobbey appeared to push Romero into the on-rushing Spurs goalkeeper after losing a foot race. The Argentina international placed himself between the stray pass and the opposition striker, allowing Kinský to collect the ball.
As the Tottenham shot-stopper went retrieve possession, Brobbey shoved Romero over. The Spurs skipper collided with Kinský, and they both required immediate on-field medical attention.
Following a break in play, Romero was replaced by Kevin Danso, while his teammate between the sticks soldiered on with a bandage around his head. Troubled by either the potential injury or 1-0 deficit, the Argentine left the pitch in tears, and he had to be consoled.
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Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the game at the Stadium of Light, Romero vowed to do whatever it takes to help Tottenham avoid relegation from the Premier League. He said: "The truth is that there is nothing else to say to the fans because, first of all, we have to thank them for always being there.
"They will always be there, no matter what happens. There are always going to be Tottenham fans. If things are good or things are bad, they are always there.
"Over the years, the players, the coaches, the managers change, but they are the ones that are always going to be there. That's why there's nothing else to say but thank them.
"At least, especially for me, they have always been by my side, they have supported me a lot. I feel great affection for the fans of this club. I've been here five seasons.
"This season was not easy for any of us, but I want to thank them for always being there, and I want to try to be together more than ever in this dark time, and I will do everything I can to get out of this."
Romero added: "The club isn't there because of me, it's the structure, the stadium, the people. Every time we play at the stadium, it's completely full, they follow us everywhere, and I think it deserves to compete at least.
"I'm not saying win the Premier League, because to say win the title is easy, but at least compete in the top positions of the league, compete in the European competitions.
"To try and have targets to achieve these things would be great, but the important thing is not focusing on the present, which is not good. Try to get out of this bad situation and try to focus on these two months of the season and do it in the best way possible."
Romero was booked during the first of Sunday afternoon's clash against Sunderland, with the score goalless at the break. Them, in the second half, Nordi Mukiele broke the deadlock with a deflected effort that left Kinský rooted to the spot.