Frank Questions Ref After Defeat for 9-Man Spurs

Thomas Frank Reacts to Tottenham’s Defeat

Tottenham Hotspur

manager Thomas Frank has expressed his dissatisfaction with the refereeing decisions that led to his team’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at home. The match saw Tottenham reduced to nine players after Xavi Simons was sent off following a VAR review for a late tackle on Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.

Disagreement Over Red Card

Frank questioned the decision to give Simons a red card, stating that the tackle was not reckless and that Simons was simply trying to put pressure on Van Dijk. He also expressed his concern that the game is becoming too big and that players are not allowed to have physical contact.
“We get the first red, which I have seen being given before,” Frank said. “I think the game is probably too big to say ‘gone’ but for me, it is not reckless, he has not come with exceptional force. He is chasing Van Dijk. He is trying to put pressure and then he changes direction and then unfortunately his foot is on his Achilles.”
Frank also questioned the decision not to disallow Liverpool‘s second goal for what he claimed was a push by Hugo Ekitike on Cristian Romero. “The second goal is a mistake from the ref,” he added. “I think there is clearly two hands on the back. I don’t understand how he can do that.”

Defending Romero

Frank defended Romero, who was booked for complaining that he was fouled and later dismissed for appearing to lash out at Ibrahima Konaté. Frank stated that Romero’s reaction was understandable, given the intensity of the game.
“I can’t see if it is right or wrong that he gives the first yellow,” Frank said. “The second yellow, I see two big boys competing. Konaté absolutely smashes through Cuti. It is a foul, nothing more. His foot lands on Cuti’s head. Not a yellow, not saying that. Cuti makes a reaction. I guess it could be given but it can also be not given.”

Impact on Tottenham’s Schedule

Simons is now set to miss Tottenham’s matches against Crystal Palace, Brentford, and Sunderland over the festive period. Frank expressed his disappointment at the loss, but praised his team’s response to Simons’ red card.
“We responded excellently to [Simons’ red card],” he added. “Then I think the second goal is a mistake from the ref. I think there is clearly two hands on the back. I don’t understand how he can do that. We’ve seen that a thousand times out there on the pitch: someone go up, goal kick, two hands on the centre-back, foul but apparently not in the penalty box. That was the biggest mistake in my opinion. And from VAR. We kept going.”

Source: Link