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Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has delivered his verdict on Cristian Romero avoiding a red card during Tottenham's goalless draw with Brentford on Thursday evening

Tottenham have received fresh verdicts on the controversial potential red card and penalty incidents from their goalless stalemate away at Brentford.

Despite bouncing back with victory against Crystal Palace last time out, Thomas Frank's team dropped points once more as neither side could find the breakthrough at the Gtech Community Stadium. In an extremely tight encounter, Brentford enjoyed marginally more possession than their guests and managed one additional shot on target.

The match wasn't completely devoid of controversy, however, as referee Andrew Madley faced two significant decisions. The first concerned Spurs defender Cristian Romero, who had only recently returned from suspension following his dismissal against Liverpool before Christmas.

OPINION

OPINION

On this instance, the Argentina centre-back fouled Brentford forward Igor Thiago whilst being the last defender and seemed to use his hands in the process. No infringement was awarded and Romero, rather luckily, stayed on the field to complete the match, leaving Keith Andrews visibly frustrated.

During Sky Sports' Ref Watch, former referee Dermot Gallagher believed the incorrect decision had been reached, arguing that Romero deserved to be dismissed. "He challenges for the ball, he doesn't get the ball, he gets Thiago, there's no doubt about that," he stated on Friday morning.

"Is Thiago in possession? Most certainly. He'll skip by and he's away on goal. For me, foul, red card, easy decision."

Spurs were left frustrated when their penalty appeals were dismissed after Archie Gray was tackled by Kevin Schade and Nathan Collins in the penalty area. The contact appeared minimal on replays, and Gallagher concurred with the decision made on the pitch that no penalty should be given.

"I do not think it is a foul because Schade bumps into him," he explained. "There is a little bit of a nudge, but if you watch Gray, he actually throws himself forward and uses Collins's calf to go over – I thought no foul."

Now, Frank's team must prepare for a challenging series of matches, including hosting Sunderland this weekend and travelling to Bournemouth next week. Later in the month, they will welcome Aston Villa for the third round of the FA Cup, while a clash with Dortmund awaits in the Champions League.

In terms of the Premier League table, Thursday's draw means Spurs remain in 12th place, outside the top 10. They are seven points behind the top four with 19 games played, making qualification for next season's Champions League a daunting task.

'I texted Alexander Isak to say sorry - this is how Liverpool striker responded'

Alexander Isak suffered an ankle injury and a fractured fibula during Liverpool's 2-1 win over Tottenham and Micky van de Ven has reached out to the Sweden striker since then.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has disclosed a text conversation between himself and Liverpool's Alexander Isak after the latter's crushing injury blow. The club's record signing is anticipated to remain out of action for several months at a minimum.

The ankle problem occurred when Isak was caught by van de Ven while netting the Reds' opener in a 2-1 win over Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He has subsequently gone under the knife to fix the problem, which also involved a broken fibula.

The setback represents another hurdle for Isak, who has struggled to cement his place at the club following his £125million switch from Newcastle this summer. Van De Ven has now detailed the message he sent to Isak after the high-octane Premier League encounter.

Chatting to Sky Sports, the Spurs centre-back revealed: "Yeah, I've text him. Of course.

"I've sent him a text because I didn't want to injure him, I didn't want to do something to hurt him. I just tried to block the shot and I think it was a bit unlucky how his foot landed between my legs.

"So I sent him a text afterwards. I want to wish him all the best in his recovery.

"That's what I said to him. And I hope we can see him back on the pitch very soon again."

When pressed about whether Isak responded, he continued: "Yeah, he really appreciated the message. He texted back."

While van de Ven chose not to reveal the exact details of Isak's response, it's reasonable to presume the Liverpool star welcomed the gesture and accepted the apology. His complete attention will now turn to regaining full fitness at the earliest opportunity.

Speaking about Isak's return, head coach Arne Slot expressed his confidence the striker will feature, again, before the current campaign concludes.

"Yeah, [he'll play again this season]. I'm confident.

"It's been a really challenging and difficult period for him, I think. Maybe no-one understands, but if you haven't trained for three or four months on a serious level with the team and you're playing in this league... in this league you need to be on the top of your game to impact the games.

"That took, which we all knew, months before we could bring him there. Because there was no pre-season, there were games, games, games.

Thomas Frank has spoken out about Tottenham's plans ahead of the January transfer window with the club looking to be active next month after reports of agreeing a deal

Thomas Frank expects Brennan Johnson to play for Tottenham against Brentford on New Year's Day, despite a £35million fee being agreed for the Wales star.

Johnson has been the subject of interest from Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, with the transfer window days away from opening. Multiple reports claim the Eagles have now made an offer agreeable to the Lilywhites, while Johnson has been touted as a potential replacement for Antoine Semenyo.

The 24-year-old, Spurs' top goalscorer last season, has yet to greenlight a move, however. Johnson has four goals in 21 appearances this term under Frank.

The ex-Nottingham Forest ace has been in and out of the team under the Danish coach. Regardless, Frank has declared he expects Johnson to face the Bees later this week, however.

"Again, this is the third time I think I've got this question," Frank said in his press conference on Tuesday. "There are rumours out there, in general I'll not comment on that, no matter if we want to sign or sell a player, or get a staff member in or out. I've no interest in commenting either way.

Pushed on whether he will be involved in Spurs' squad against Brentford, Frank was adamant. "He contributed to a very good and important win against Crystal Palace," he said.

"He trained very well today. I expect him fully to be available and able to play against Brentford."

"Brennan is a very important player for us," Frank added. "Sometimes things change if another player comes in. Unfortunately, Kudus came in for him and played on the right side and has done well. So it's been a little bit more tricky to get enough starts. He started the season also quite well from the left.

"I think Brennan has a lot of attributes. Very good running in behind, very good scoring goals. That's a good quality. So some of those key things is fantastic. Also working hard for the team, but you need more than just 11 players. That's the way it is. I think Brennan has been a top professional, is a top professional, trained well today. He's ready for two days' time.

Spurs boss Frank also revealed that Spurs will be active in the transfer market. The head coach noted that he wants to see his squad improve before allowing outgoings.

"We are, we will be in the market. We are definitely interested in, if we can, strengthening the squad," he said.

"We will do that, I've said it a few times before, that I think it's very important, of course, there are different types you can add to a squad. But the main bit is that the ones we add need to be the ones we really think can improve the team. And then, like normal, there can be outgoings if you want to try to make a sharp squad."

Antoine Semenyo is expected to leave Bournemouth in January with Manchester City leading the race for the forward, who politely declined Tottenham's interest but could still help Spurs in the transfer market

Despite being snubbed by Antoine Semenyo ahead of the January transfer window, Tottenham could still profit from his anticipated departure from Bournemouth.

The 25-year-old forward is tipped to be the star attraction of this winter's transfer market, thanks to a £65million release clause that can be activated until January 10. Given his stellar performance for the Cherries this season, it's no wonder he's attracted interest from top Premier League clubs including Spurs, both Manchester teams, Liverpool and Chelsea.

However, recent reports suggest Semenyo has set his sights on joining Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's squad, currently embroiled in a title race with Arsenal, would undoubtedly receive a significant boost from Semenyo's arrival, enhancing their chances of outdoing the north London club come May.

According to The Athletic, despite a competitive wage offer from Spurs, Semenyo respectfully declined their advances. It later emerged that his preferred destination is the Etihad Stadium, with City now stepping up their efforts to seal the deal by January 1.

Despite the odds, Spurs haven't abandoned their hopes of strengthening their attack in the upcoming transfer window. Semenyo's move to City could trigger a transfer domino effect that benefits the London side, reports football.london.

Spurs were previously linked with City winger Savinho during the summer, but no deal materialised before the deadline.

Potential departures at Spurs could free up both funds and squad space for new attacking additions, with Brennan Johnson's name being floated as a possible exit. Sky Sports News reports a handful of Premier League clubs are eyeing the Welshman, with Bournemouth being the latest to consider him as a potential replacement for the departing Semenyo.

The report suggests that Johnson's name has been mentioned at the Vitality Stadium as they brace for Semenyo's exit, while Crystal Palace also have a strong interest in the 24-year-old. However, it remains unclear whether Spurs are ready to approve a sale or loan move in January, even though they're on the hunt for a new forward, which could impact the winger's future.

Johnson made the switch to Spurs from Nottingham Forest for just under £50million back in 2023. To date, he has clocked up just over 100 appearances across all competitions, netting 27 goals and providing 18 assists.

This season under Thomas Frank, he has only made six starts in the Premier League, with a total of 16 appearances. He's netted four goals and hasn't provided any assists across all competitions.

He did play in Sunday's narrow 1-0 victory over Palace, but once again began the match on the bench. He came on for Mohammed Kudus in the final 10 minutes at Selhurst Park as Frank's team clung to their slim lead, secured by Archie Gray's maiden goal for the club.

Spurs return to action midweek with an away fixture against Brentford. They then have to prepare for Sunderland's visit in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

CRYSTAL PALACE 0-1 TOTTENHAM: Spurs won their first away game since October thanks to Archie Gray's first-half header, easing the pressure on under-fire Thomas Frank

This time Thomas Frank got a much-needed reward after being made to suffer on the touchline. In the grand scheme of things, it was hardly the most convincing win for Tottenham but you suspect that will not bother Frank in the slightest.

After a thoroughly dismal run of just one win in their previous eight Premier League games, the spotlight and pressure is on a manager struggling to convince the Spurs fan base that he is the right man for the job. Tottenham fans are crying out for free-flowing, entertaining and attacking football and all they got was a scrappy Archie Gray header from a set-piece.

Spurs striker Richarlison saw two efforts ruled out for offside after VAR checks - the second in particular was pretty unforgivable - which would have made it altogether more comfortable. How a player who has cost over £100million in combined transfer fees throughout his career and played for Brazil 54 times can drift offside so frequently is anyone's guess.

And, instead, Tottenham were left to hang on as Frank looked on nervously from the touchline as he will be well aware every game, result and performance is being scrutinised right now. Frank needs a break and finally got one against a Crystal Palace who wasted a string of big chances themselves as their marathon season threatens to catch up with them even before the turn of the year.

Incredibly, Palace are already up to 30 games played this season in all competitions and their finishing looked tired and lacking composure. They are in serious danger of burning out and Tottenham were grateful recipients as the away end celebrated wildly at the final whistle.

Frank ushered his players over to the away end and you have to respect the Tottenham fans who were loud, supportive and jubilant despite another season of small wins and bigger disappointments. In fairness, Gray, aged 19 years 291 days, was a big win this time as he became Tottenham's youngest English goalscorer since Dele Alli who was four days younger when he scored back in January 2016.

Remember that goal? It was Alli's wonder strike - the overhead flick and volley - also at Selhurst Park which put the former Spurs and England midfielder on the road to superstardom. That seems a long time ago now for Tottenham and indeed Alli.

Well, funnily enough it will be ten years ago next month and is a reminder how time flies. Tottenham also need an upturn in fortunes - and quick. Spurs looked nervous at the start and took a while to get going while Palace played some nice stuff.

But Richarlison had the ball in the net after 17 minutes only for VAR to disallow it for an offside against Lucas Bergvall in the build-up. Richarlison might also have drifted offside had they got that far with the VAR. The Brazilian's celebrations suddenly looked a bit daft.

Where will Tottenham finish this season? Give us your prediction in the comments section.

Palace played the better football - the sort of passing game Spurs fans want from their team - but just could not take advantage. Jean-Philppe Mateta headed over, Will Hughes fired over and Adam Wharton fired straight at Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario.

But when you do not take your chances, it generally comes back to bite you. Pedro Porro's deep corner was headed back across goal by Randal Kolo Muani, Richarlison's flick-on fell for Gray who nodded in from point blank range. Palace continued to waste big chances.

Justin Devenny hooked over the bar while defender Maxence Lacroix glanced just wide after Jefferson Lerma's header. Richarlison had the ball in the net a second time but had drifted offside again. Unforgivable.

Wilson Odobert also crashed a shot aghast the post. Tottenham made hard work of it - but ultimately got the job done.

Thomas Frank told to QUIT Tottenham by ex-star in furious social media rant

Thomas Frank is under massive pressure to improve results at Tottenham after his side slipped to 14th place in the Premier League table following successive defeats

Thomas Frank has run out of excuses and should resign as Tottenham manager because he’s failed to make any progress this season. Spurs go into Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace sitting 14th in the Premier League table and ex-player Ramon Vega has called for Frank’s head.

Tottenham have won just six of their 17 top-flight matches and Frank is under huge pressure following successive defeats against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. The Danish manager was appointed to replace Ange Postecoglou in the summer yet has so far failed to improve results domestically.

Frank’s side have lost just once in six Champions League games, but have continued where they left off in the league, having finished 17th under Postecoglou before beating Manchester United in the Europa League final. Former Brentford boss Frank has argued that he should be given time to turn things around because the Europa League success masked deeper issues.

“Honestly, I think we are in a transition phase, because yes, we are a Champions League club, but are we a Champions League club? We only qualified because we won the Europa League,” he told Sky Sports before the trip to Palace.

“We didn’t qualify because we were one of the four or five best clubs in the Premier League last season. We finished 17th. And now we need to compete in the Champions League while we’re competing in the Premier League, which is the most difficult thing.”

Frank’s words have fallen on deaf ears, with ex-Spurs defender Vega taking to social media to make his feelings clear. “Frank, stop talking about last season,” he wrote on X. “They finished 17th. You now have more fit players than Ange had last season, yet you’re still not better off. In fact, it’s a shambles.

“At least Ange with no support made a miserable season into a wonderful ending for the fans by winning the European Cup and qualifying for the CL. You are now enjoying. So please do us a favour and resign, mate!”

Vega, who spent four years with Spurs as a player, has been hugely critical of Frank’s time in charge in north London, having won 10 of 26 in all competitions. “He needs to manage the dressing room. Here the football is a psychological side,” Vega previously told talkSPORT.

“If he doesn’t control he dressing room. He can be as good as he wants, as nice as he is. But he doesn’t have the balls. I don’t see Frank pretty much suitable for Spurs because he hasn’t got the balls, hasn’t got the character to do this.”

Thomas Frank has said Tottenham Hotspur will be active during the winter transfer window and seemingly have £150million to spend in January on several players

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly are armed with a £150million war chest for the winter transfer window and several targets in their sights. Spurs are understood to be keen on signing a left winger and bolstering their defensive ranks this January.

The Sun reports that Antoine Semenyo is high on their list, although they face stiff competition from Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United. The report suggests that City's prospective acquisition of the Bournemouth forward could pave the way for Tottenham to snap up Savinho, having missed out on him last August.

Persistent rumours linking them with Porto striker Samu Aghehowa are also mentioned. The one-time Chelsea target carries a £50million price tag.

A left-back, too, is reportedly a top priority to fill in for the injured Destiny Udogie. Doing so which would allow Djed Spence to revert to his preferred right-back position.

If that does not pan out, Spurs are said to be considering the addition of a left-sided centre-back. That would see Micky van der Ven shift to left-back.

Aghehowa could potentially set Spurs back by £50million, and it is assumed that any deal for Semenyo would trigger his £65million release clause. City reportedly turned down a £60million bid for Savinho over the summer.

Given Savinho's lacklustre form this season, it is unlikely his valuation has increased, hence Spurs' interest in the Ghanaian international. However, signing Aghehowa and either Savinho or Semenyo would leave approximately £30million for a defender.

Thomas Frank has confirmed that Spurs will be active in the winter transfer window. Earlier this month, Tottenham's coach said: "We will definitely be in the market, no doubt about that. We want them as early as possible, like every other time, and let's see if we can have them before 31 January."

Frank also addressed the future of Brennan Johnson amidst rumours linking him to Crystal Palace. He commented: "We haven't done too much in terms of [preparation for moving] players out. I think he's a big part of what we have when we're playing a lot of games."

Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola, understandably, is also keen for Semenyo to stay put. He said: "Antoine Semenyo right now is with us. He has trained today (23 December) with us very well.

"I understand that there is a lot of noise around Antoine. But my concern is that it doesn't affect him, his performances, and we are seeing that it is not affecting his performances.

"He is very committed to the team, and I hope we can keep him there. There are situations that we cannot control, but right now, Antoine is our player, and he's going to continue playing for us."

Cristian Romero has been charged by the Football Association for his behaviour towards referee John Brooks in Tottenham's 2-1 defeat by Liverpool

The Football Association has hit Cristian Romero with charges for allegedly failing to exit the field swiftly and conducting himself inappropriately towards referee John Brooks following his dismissal during Tottenham's 2-1 loss to Liverpool.

An official FA statement declared: "Tottenham Hotspur's Cristian Romero has been charged following their Premier League match against Liverpool on Saturday 20 December.

"It's alleged that he acted in an improper manner by failing to promptly leave the field of play and/or behaving in a confrontational and/or aggressive manner towards the match referee after being sent off in the 93rd minute. Cristian Romero has until Friday 2 January 2026 to respond."

This deadline comes just one day after Spurs' New Year's Day clash with Brentford and two days prior to their home encounter with Sunderland. Romero is already guaranteed to sit out Tottenham's fixture against Crystal Palace on 28 December due to the standard one-match suspension for receiving two yellow cards in a single match.

Spurs manager Thomas Frank expressed his displeasure with Romero's red card when addressing the media post-match. He remarked: "You can see there's probably a reason why the whole team reacted as they do. I think that's probably a good indicator.

"Normally, if it's one player reacting, if it's the whole team, probably because there's something about it. I think we all played football enough and seen enough football that there's something probably around that.

"So, I can't see if it's right or wrong that he gives the first yellow. The second yellow, I see two big boys competing; Konate absolutely smashing through Cuti [Romero]. It's a foul, I'm not saying more.

"His foot landed on Cuti's head. Not a yellow, I'm not saying that. Cuti makes a reaction. I think I guess it can be given, but also I guess it can be not given."

Frank also had more to say about Romero on Tuesday. He stated: "We're talking about a player, a very passionate player, that, when he is at his absolute top, he carries the team on his back, like he did in the Europa League final. Without him, we wouldn't have won the trophy, like he did away to Newcastle, like he's done many times.

"When you're very passionate, sometimes you can maybe, in a few moments, lack the extra coolness. Sometimes, maybe. Something he's working on.

"I think you have a player where the second goal for me still is a clear, clear, clear foul. And, OK, I haven't played on the highest level.

"Everyone who played on the highest level, if they know there's a foul, they know it's a foul. And they're very, very reactive. It's a clear foul. So he felt hard done by.

"So the mistake he did there was he was running, unfortunately, touching John Brooks. That means he, when he touched the ref, you know, unfortunately, you need to have a yellow. But let's say it was a foul given, don't give the first yellow. You don't get the second yellow.

"The second yellow is a mistake, obviously, from Cuti, which he's agreeing on. But before that, he was the one that competed, like, very passionate for the first corner, competed on that duel, and the second duel, when we scored to make it 2-1. So you need to accept if you have passionate players that, you know, it's part of it."

The challenge that led to Alexander Isak's broken leg has sparked debate and Thomas Frank has launched a strong defence after Arne Slot's criticism

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has hit back at Arne Slot and launched a stirring defence of Spurs star Micky van de Ven, after the Liverpool coach claimed that the Dutchman's challenge on Alexander Isak would always result in injury.

Isak broke his leg due to a challenge by Van de Ven, which left the Sweden international in a heap moments after slotting the ball into the net in north London. The striker was immediately replaced and is now set for a spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery.

And speaking in his press conference on Wednesday, Slot called out Van de Ven's challenge and claimed it was worse than Xavi Simons' red card foul in the same game. Frank has a different view on Van de Ven's efforts.

“Obviously I am disagreeing," said the Lilywhite head coach. "In many ways, we are talking about a defender that will do everything to avoid (conceding) the goal.

"It’s a transition so he is sprinting back in. There’s a ball slid down in the side and he does everything he can to block that shot.

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"Unfortunately, Isak has planted his foot straight there which makes it look worse than it is. That would be a natural reaction for any defender. Or, put it this way, if my defender doesn’t do that, I don’t think they are true defenders.

"I don’t see that at all. I think reckless challenges, normally, you haven’t seen any from Micky, as I remember it. I see him as a very fair and competitive player. That’s one thing. I also know the two players have sorted it out so that’s a good sign.”

Slot was less forgiving. "It was for me a reckless challenge," he said.

"Xavi Simons [tackle on Virgil van Dijk] was completely unintentional. I don't think you will ever get an injury out of a tackle like that.

"The tackle of Van de Ven, if you make that tackle 10 times then 10 times there's a serious chance a player could get a serious injury."

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher does not believe Van de Ven's tackle on Isak was ever deserving of a red card. "I can't see that he's done anything that a footballer wouldn't," Gallagher said on Sky Sports Ref Watch.

"I would be astonished if that was given as a red card anywhere on the field. Players mistime challenges all the time. He's slightly late... it's not a red card. Whether it be in the penalty area, in the D, the centre circle or the other half."

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak faces months out with a fractured fibula, but Arne Slot already has Hugo Ekitike ready to lead the line for his side.

Liverpool already have a clear-cut replacement for Alexander Isak following confirmation of his injury severity on Monday evening. The Sweden striker, 26, was caught by a robust challenge from Micky van de Ven whilst netting against Tottenham on Saturday night, forcing his withdrawal after merely 11 minutes on the pitch.

Isak instantly grabbed his lower leg and limped off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The injury appeared severe, with Liverpool confirming that was the case in an official statement.

Their medical update stated: "Alexander Isak has today successfully underwent surgery on the injury he sustained on Saturday. The Liverpool striker was injured in a challenge in the process of scoring the opening goal against Tottenham Hotspur and had to be substituted.

"After diagnosis, an operation was completed today on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture. Isak's rehabilitation will now continue at the AXA Training Centre, with no timeframe yet placed on his return."

After Isak's opening goal, Hugo Ekitike extended the visitors' lead soon after with a brilliantly placed header past Guglielmo Vicario. That marked his fifth strike in three Premier League outings, as well, making it crystal clear he's equipped to shoulder the responsibility of being Liverpool's frontman.

Slot appears satisfied with his displays, though he still expects even greater things from the French forward. The Liverpool manager commented: "He still needs to get stronger, but he's already become stronger. He can score a goal, he has great footwork, dribbling skills, he has so much in his locker.

"He's adjusted to the Premier League now, the biggest thing is how he can become physically outstanding, that's what he's working on really hard.

"In the last two, three, four minutes he was very, very, very tired at Tottenham. I see this often.

"But there's hardly any rest for these players, I have to give them a lot of compliments. Every time they fight, fight and fight from first second to the last."

With Isak sidelined for the coming months, Slot's closing remarks may raise alarm bells considering Liverpool face four fixtures in just 12 days. That's beginning with their encounter against Wolves.

Slot is grappling with multiple fitness concerns after both Florian Wirtz and Conor Bradley left the Spurs match with suspected issues. This adds to the existing unavailability of Cody Gakpo, Wataru Endo and Joe Gomez.

Discussing the injury situation, Slot revealed: "Conor will be 50/50. He's not training with us today or tomorrow.

"Friday we will see exactly where he is if he can be in squad. Joe won't be available, Wata won't be, Cody is a bit similar to Conor.