tottenhamhotspurnews.com

Xavi Simons was sent off for Tottenham after a foul on Virgil van Dijk that he “actually meant to do”, according to Perry Groves.

Liverpool beat Tottenham 2-1 in North London on Saturday in a chaotic game where the hosts finished with nine men.

Simons was shown red by John Brooks just after the half-hour for a late, studs-up challenge on the Liverpool centre-back, and his international captain for the Netherlands, before Cristian Romero was also sent off in added time.

Despite Simons protesting his innocence via social media after the game ex-Arsenal attacker Groves has dismissed his apparent upset as “crocodile tears” and says the mechanics of the challenge mean it can only have been deliberate.

Perry Groves slams Xavi Simons’ for Virgil van Dijk foul

Speaking live on talkSPORT “You look at the Simons challenge on Virgil van Dijk. That’s premeditated, he actually meant to do that.

MORE SPURS STORIES

“People say ‘he’s not that sort of player’. I don’t buy into that. You know what you’re doing.”

In response to host Sam Matterface citing Simons’ Instagram post saying it was an accident Groves added: “He’s gonna say that, that’s my point, it’s his national team captain so he’s gonna say ‘I’m so sorry’.”

Alex Crook argued Simons was virtually in tears over it but Groves was unmoved: “Don’t do it. Did you see where the ball was? When Virgil van Dijk had the ball, it was on his right foot and he’s playing it. [Simons] actually treads on his standing foot which is a yard away from where the ball is.

“And he puts his studs up and rakes him down the back of his calf muscle, and he looks away to pretend he’s not doing it. He does that and it’s premeditated and done on purpose. Crocodile tears. Do one.”

How long will Xavi Simons miss?

Deliberate or not the red card is just about the worst thing outside of a serious injury that Simons could have got from the Liverpool defeat given how it stalls any progress badly.

His big-money move from RB Leipzig heralded Tottenham finally coming out on the right side of a high-profile hijack after Chelsea were beaten to the deal.

And with the likes of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski out injured long-term it should have helped cover in attack.

But with Thomas Frank struggling increasingly to get a tune out of these players or look like he has them under control the Simons difficulties are sticking out as a major problem.

The Dutchman is young and in a new league, while the chaos around him at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is hardly conducive to a seamless transition.

But just as he looked to have turned a corner after his match-winning performance as Spurs beat Brentford 2-1, he has now taken a huge step back as he will now be suspended for three Premier League games since his red card was for “serious foul play”.

Tottenham’s chaotic 2-1 loss to Liverpool saw many players perform poorly at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.

Xavi Simons’ first-half red card for Spurs gave Thomas Frank’s side a mountain to climb, and Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike put the reigning champions 2-0 up.

Richarlison’s consolation goal wasn’t enough to prevent Spurs from losing yet another league game at home.

Further drama ensued when Cristian Romero was given his marching orders after kicking out at Ibrahima Konate in stoppage time.

Gary Neville agreed with both of referee John Brooks’ decisions and slammed the Argentinian centre-back for his dreadful display.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Cristian Romero is becoming a liability for Tottenham

Romero’s excellent performance against Newcastle on Saturday has now been overshadowed by his disastrous evening at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

He gave the ball away for Isak’s opener before being out-jumped by Ekitike for the second goal, and his misery was compounded when he was sent off for his petulant kick out at Konate.

Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast on Sunday, the ex-Man United defender was critical of Romero’s performance.

He said: “Simons’ red card may have helped Tottenham and galvanised the crowd against the referee.

“I don’t think the referee was amazing, but I don’t think he impacted the game as much as the ill-discipline of the Tottenham players.

“Romero, he’s captain chaos, and the minute he gave that goal away, he was a walking time bomb around the pitch.”

The 27-year-old is known for his hot-headed nature, and he has been on the receiving end of cards throughout his career.

Romero’s disciplinary record is shockingly bad

Tottenham are struggling in the Premier League, and Romero’s ill-discipline means he’ll banned for the trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Spurs have lost 11 Premier League home games in 2025, and the mood among fans is at an all-time low towards both Frank and the players.

As the captain, Romero can’t continue to lose his head, or Tottenham will never be able to bridge the gap between themselves and the top teams in the league.

This season alone, he has been shown a card in eight of his 19 matches, and it has cost Tottenham on multiple occasions.

Given the fact that he also won only 50 per cent of his aerial duels and registered a pass accuracy of 82 per cent, it’s safe to say that he had a game to forget in what was his last match of 2025.

Tottenham now face a key problem to solve ahead of Thomas Frank’s first January transfer window for the Lilywhites.

Daniel Levy stepped down as Tottenham chairman in September, not long after making one of the biggest calls in recent history for the Lilywhites.

After Spurs’ Europa League triumph, Levy decided to axe Ange Postecoglou before hiring Frank, causing unrest among the Tottenham fanbase.

But Frank wasn’t the only hire the former Spurs chairman made this year, as one man he brought back to N17 is now nearing an exit.

Fabio Paratici close to joining Fiorentina

Levy decided to bring Fabio Paratici back to Tottenham as sporting director this year after the Italian left in April 2023 following his first two-year stint with the Lilywhites.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Paratici re-joined Tottenham after serving out a football suspension due to controversial financial irregularities that Levy clearly wasn’t worried by.

Tottenham have outlined their vision for the January transfer market, with Paratici said to play a key role in incomings and outgoings.

However, the Lilywhites now look set to lose the Italian.

Italian journalist Matteo Moretto reported via X on Sunday that Paratici is “nearing a definitive yes” to join Fiorentina back in his homeland of Italy.

It’s reported that he will have face-to-face talks with internal figures at Spurs this week, which could see his impending departure confirmed.

The news may have just come at the worst possible time for Frank and Tottenham, as Levy will surely be grinning from ear to ear.

Daniel Levy will be laughing at Tottenham now

Levy’s Tottenham exit was unexpected, but welcomed by most.

The 63-year-old was at the centre of controversy for many years as Spurs’ executive chairman over his nearly 25-year ownership of the club.

But the timing of Paratici’s potential exit will have Levy laughing at his choice to leave Tottenham.

He departed shortly after the Lilywhites broke their trophy curse and handed control over to Joe Lewis and his family, who now have to clean up this mess.

It’s terrible timing for the Lilywhites, and Paratici’s replacement needs to come in soon.

Tottenham’s home form has been a huge problem this season, and that continued against Liverpool on Saturday.

Tottenham fell to a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, with goals from Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike proving enough to render Richarlison’s late strike a consolation.

While it is important to note that they had two red cards, the fact that it took until then for them to start playing should be a concern.

Thomas Frank is under pressure to turn things around, especially at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as it should be a fortress for Spurs.

Tottenham’s home form presents a dismal reality after Liverpool loss

Tottenham have won just four of their home Premier League matches in 2025, drawing three and losing 11.

MORE SPURS STORIES

John Wenham believes that it is simply not good enough, and hit out at the way that they played against the Reds.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “You can split the game into 90 per cent and 10 per cent, for 90 per cent of the game, Tottenham’s performance again was quite poor, at home you have got to show initiative.

“We didn’t seemingly do that until we were down to nine men, which was very strange, we started the game okay, but still not as the home team, attacking a Liverpool team that hasn’t been this Liverpool team that we have seen over the past eight years.

“It was only after the Romero red card that we galvanised, Richarlison had a huge impact on the game, his behaviour and his antics levelled up the game, it felt like nine against nine when he was on the pitch, and I think if that game had gone on for 10 more minutes, Spurs may have gotten an equaliser as well.

“Fans, which Hugo Ekitike picked up on, drove Tottenham on, we have had criticism of the fans in recent weeks from Thomas Frank, and we have seen how important the fans can be, and a rival player has even picked that up.

“Disappointing, another home defeat for Tottenham, really disappointing year at home, four home wins in total, absolutely not acceptable for a club of Tottenham’s standing, with the players that they have got, utterly pathetic.

“The last 10-15 minutes of the game, you wonder why Tottenham can’t start games like that, especially at home.”

Tottenham have to improve at home, they cannot afford not to

Spurs supporters pay some of the highest prices in the division for their tickets, they should be watching a team that dominates, especially in their own stadium.

Given that fans are already disillusioned with ticket prices, they should not have to settle for a team that cannot win on its own patch regularly.

If Frank and Co do not ensure a rapid turnaround, then they will have no chance of achieving their ambitions this season.

Cristian Romero was shown a red card in Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.

Romero furthered Tottenham’s misery as they were reduced to nine men, with Xavi Simons already sent off.

The defender kicked out at Ibrahima Konate when he was already on a caution and made it impossible for Thomas Frank‘s men to come back.

It was a major disappointment from one of Tottenham’s most senior players, and Jamie Redknapp and Gary Neville did not hold back.

What did Neville and Redknapp say about Romero after Tottenham vs Liverpool controversy?

Romero was appointed as Tottenham captain after Son Heung-min’s departure in the summer, so he should lead by example.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Neville made his opinion clear on the live broadcast on 20 December, saying: “What is Romero doing? Who is he shouting at now? Get in the dressing room! It is absolute madness from him.”

Redknapp also criticised the Spurs star in his post-match analysis, saying: “What Romero did is what Romero does. To get involved right in front of the referee and kick out at someone right in front of the referee.

“If my four-year-old did that, I would say, ‘What are you doing?'”

Romero should not be blasted for Konate incident

John Wenham believes that the criticism of Romero went too far, after what happened against Arne Slot’s side.

He acknowledged that while it was a silly error, it is part of what makes the Argentina star the player that he is.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “With Romero, he plays on the edge, that is what makes him such a good player, he is passionate, he will always charge into people, let them know he is there.

“I know some in the media like to criticise him, I noticed on Sky, yesterday evening, Neville, Redknapp and others were quick to criticise Romero.

“But he will turn around and have a trophy cabinet that either of those will envy, we are talking about someone who has played in the World Cup final, played a massive part in Tottenham winning a major European trophy last year, he has won trophies everywhere he has been.

“He can be petulant at times, but his overall contribution for Tottenham far outweighs any moments of hotheadedness that he has, he is just a born winner, and he puts it on the line when he plays for the club.

“That is his character, you take the risk of that, with those overall performances for Tottenham, he is one of our best players.

“It is unfortunate that sometimes his discipline gets the better of him.”

Thomas Frank is coming under pressure of the sack at Tottenham, but issues were in place long before he took the job.

Frank could soon be sacked at Tottenham after a difficult start to life in North London since making the summer switch from Brentford.

The Dane hasn’t been helped after Tottenham fell to a 2-1 defeat against Liverpool in yet another loss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season.

Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons were sent off against Liverpool and made it a massive uphill task for the Lilywhites.

Frank had little control over his players’ actions, with other factors playing a role in the struggles he has faced as head coach in N17.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Thomas Frank let down by Tottenham staff

Frank didn’t help himself with his comments after the Liverpool defeat, as he came across as bitter and biased towards his own players.

There was little positivity to take away from that loss, with the plus points of dominating with nine men more of an indictment of Arne Slot’s failings.

That has only put more pressure on the Spurs boss, who is genuinely failing to improve performance levels compared to Ange Postecoglou last season.

Former scout Bryan King has suggested that the staff already on Hotspur Way are maintaining low standards and impacting what Frank can do with his new players.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, King said: “I think they should start looking at the players.

“Supposedly, they’ve got enough talent at the club, but it’s not working. I think you have to look at the large number of staff there that Frank inherited.

“Some of the players aren’t good enough either.

“You can’t just blame the manager; he isn’t out there on the pitch.

“The way they performed against Nottingham Forest was a disgrace. There are players who are letting Frank down.“

Frank must make wholesale changes at Tottenham

The squad clearly isn’t good enough at Spurs to perform the plans that the Danish head coach is setting out in N17.

Frank was highly rated at Brentford for adapting his side for outings against different sides, but that isn’t working across the capital.

That could be down to the large coaching team around him and the squad, something which may be setting standards below what the 52-year-old demands.

Changes are needed before Frank to afford him a chance to get the best out of the Lilywhites before he is given his marching orders.

Guglielmo Vicario’s future at Tottenham is in increasing doubt as he continues to find the spotlight for the wrong reasons.

Vicario has made several high-profile mistakes in recent weeks, with Thomas Frank’s side struggling in the Premier League.

Tottenham were beaten 2-1 by Liverpool on Saturday night, falling to their second straight defeat in the top-flight as the pressure on Frank continues to build.

Now, Spurs could be looking to make a change to their goalkeeping department, and recent developments prove that Brighton believes that Bart Verbruggen could be on his way to North London.

Tottenham face fierce challenge to land Bart Verbruggen

With Vicario under huge scrutiny for his recent performances, Tottenham are being linked with Verbruggen, hinting that Frank has already made up his mind regarding his current shot-stopper.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The Italian international made the move to North London back in the summer of 2023 and had a relatively successful first two campaigns, but has really struggled this season.

As per Alan Nixon on his Patreon, Brighton fear that Spurs-linked Verbruggen is on his way out and are already making contingency plans.

The Seagulls are after Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser, and have been watching the 21-year-old for several weeks, as they prepare for life without the Tottenham-linked Dutchman.

However, the North London side are set to face competition for Verbruggen’s signature, as Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany is a big fan.

Thomas Frank must be ruthless to save Tottenham job

It’s no secret that large sections of the Tottenham fanbase have already turned against Frank and feel that the Dane is not the right man to take the club forward.

Spurs have not hit their stride under the former Brentford man, and recent displays have lacked attacking intent and overall quality.

Vicario is far from the only issue Frank has to deal with currently, but if his performance levels continue to deteriorate, then he must be replaced with a stronger option.

The Tottenham keeper is very adept when it comes to shot-stopping, but often fails to command his box and makes far too many mistakes.

If Frank sticks with Vicario much longer, then it may cost him his job at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

‘I really don’t like this’ – Former Tottenham man rages after what Rodrigo Bentancur did vs Liverpool

Rodrigo Bentancur has come under heavy scrutiny for his antics as Tottenham lost to Liverpool on Saturday.

Liverpool secured a 2-1 win away to Tottenham despite putting in another frustrating Premier League performance under Arne Slot.

That didn’t matter as Thomas Frank’s side fell to yet another Tottenham Hotspur Stadium defeat after Xavi Simons was sent off for Tottenham.

Simons’ challenge on Virgil van Dijk was a shocker, and despite complaints, the Dutchman was forced to walk down the tunnel in North London.

Even with that red card, Bentancur has been singled out for one of his moments of madness that showed a level of cowardice.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Joe Hart fumes at Rodrigo Bentancur challenge on Milos Kerkez

Joe Hart hit out at Frank for his comments after the Liverpool defeat, with the Dane suggesting that the Simons’ sending off was wrong.

The Spurs head coach was frustrated by multiple decisions made by John Brooks and VAR, but he should have kept quiet with those complaints.

Bentancur arguably deserved to join the attacking midfielder and Cristian Romero back in the dressing room after his challenge on Milos Kerkez.

The Uruguay international smashed into the left-back after the ball had been punted forward and left the Reds man on the floor.

There was no need for the challenge, and even ex-Spurs man Hart was left fuming by the midfielder on Match of the Day.

He said: “I just can’t believe they totally lost control. For me, this is the worst. I really don’t like this. Bentancur’s an absolute cheap shot on Kerkez; he’s hit him really hard, a fellow professional, no need for that.“

Bentancur deserved a red card vs Liverpool

Simons was rightly sent off, as was Romero, after a moment of stupidity saw him kick out at Ibrahima Konate in front of the referee.

The Lilywhites arguably should have been down to eight men on the day, with Bentancur’s challenge being horrible to watch.

There was no need for him to collide with Kerkez, especially in such a fast and powerful manner that could have easily caused an injury.

The Uruguayan was booked for the challenge, but could have been shown a red on another day in yet another moment of madness from a Tottenham player.

Thomas Frank has come under fire from Joe Hart after Tottenham lost to Liverpool on Saturday.

Spurs fell to a 2-1 defeat against Liverpool in yet another Tottenham Hotspur Stadium defeat for Frank and Co. this season.

There were some positives to take for the Lilywhites, but after Xavi Simons was sent off against Liverpool, it was always going to be an uphill battle.

Simons was shown red for his challenge on Virgil van Dijk, with little complaint shared by the Netherlands international as he walked down the tunnel.

His manager wasn’t so accepting of Simons’ marching orders, something which Hart wasn’t holding back against.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Joe Hart slams Thomas Frank comments at Tottenham

Gary Neville fumed at Simons for his challenge against Liverpool that saw him fairly sent off with just 33 minutes on the clock.

The Dutchman looked visibly upset as he walked off the field, but his head coach met him on the touchline to show his support.

Frank was far from convinced by the decision to review the challenge on van Dijk and continuously complained to the fourth official.

Referee John Brooks reviewed the potential red card at the pitchside monitor and was left with no choice but to send the attacking midfielder off.

Hart was in agreement with the match official as he spoke out against Frank for his post-match comments via Match of the Day.

He said: “I don’t agree with Thomas Frank, I think Xavi Simons will be disappointed.

“There’s no way he’s gone out of his way to nail his fellow countryman there, but that is such a dangerous tackle, he’s caught him on the back of the achilles, it’s absolutely a red card. I know he looks perplexed when the decision is given, but it’s 100 per cent.“

What did Frank say about the Xavi Simons red card vs Liverpool?

Hart wasn’t shy in speaking out against the Spurs boss, but what exactly did he say to garner such a reaction from the ex-England international?

Speaking in his post-match interview with Match of the Day, the Dane simply wasn’t having the call against Simons.

He said: “The first red, I’ve seen given before, but I don’t like it. I don’t think it’s a reckless tackle, I don’t think there’s exceptional force.“

There may not have been “exceptional force”, but there is no doubt that the summer signing raked down the achillies of his fellow countryman.

As soon as VAR looked at the decision, there was no doubt that the attacking midfielder was going to be sent off for an unacceptable challenge.

Hart is right to call out Frank, as defending these silly challenges is going to do nothing but cause further problems for the Lilywhites moving forward.

Djed Spence didn’t cover himself in glory after diving as Tottenham lost 2-1 to Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday.

Arne Slot’s team travelled to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and sat comfortably after taking a two-goal advantage.

Spence and Conor Bradley got into a bit of a tangle towards the end of the first half, with calls for a penalty ringing around N17, but the left-back has been accused of play-acting.

The England international might force the authorities to rethink the current rules in terms of taking retrospective action against players for such actions.

Djed Spence accused of blatant dive in Tottenham vs Liverpool

Ian Wright believes Spence knew what he was doing as he went down after making contact with Bradley inside the Liverpool box in the 45th minute.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The 25-year-old went on a solo run but was eventually crowded out and decided to go down when trying to dribble past the Reds defender at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Wright said on Premier League Productions on 20 December: “You can see the other player behind him. He’s got no chance of getting that ball on the other side. So he’s just knocked it inside and just wanted contact and got it. It’s a blatant dive for me.”

Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has admitted such incidents are normal and suggests they will continue to happen until authorities take action.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Hackett said: “Sadly, going to ground to deceive the referee by an act of simulation is a regular occurrence in the modern game. It will continue if referees fail to sanction. I do believe that the authorities need to consider retrospective punishment for acts of simulation.”

Spence has been impressive for Spurs recently, but he certainly won’t want to look back on the incident against Liverpool.

Thomas Frank will be raging after what happened at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

There have been questions swirling about Frank’s future at Tottenham, with the North London outfit in the bottom half of the table after 17 matches.

Spurs have shown vulnerability under the former Brentford boss this season after an encouraging start, with his defensive approach to certain games frustrating supporters.

The North London outfit have won just one of their last eight Premier League matches, leading to discussions among supporters about potentially looking for Frank’s replacement.

With the Danish manager looking over his shoulder in N17, he will surely be raging to see Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero pick up red cards against Liverpool.