Thomas Frank Criticises Refereeing Decisions After Nine-Man Tottenham Fall to Liverpool

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank delivered a strong critique of referee John Brooks following his side’s 2-1 home defeat to Liverpool, a match in which Spurs were reduced to nine men despite what Frank described as a spirited and courageous performance.

The scoreline only partially reflected a chaotic Premier League encounter at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where the hosts suffered their fifth home defeat of the season. Spurs were first reduced to ten men when Xavi Simons was sent off in the first half, before Cristian Romero received a late red card, compounding their problems.

The contest swung decisively in Liverpool’s favour after 33 minutes when Simons was dismissed for a studs-up challenge on Virgil van Dijk’s Achilles. Liverpool capitalised in the second half, with Alexander Isak breaking the deadlock in the 56th minute.

Isak, introduced at half-time, was soon forced off with an injury, but Liverpool doubled their lead shortly afterwards through Hugo Ekitike, who scored his 11th goal of the season. The goal stood despite VAR scrutiny, even though there appeared to be minimal contact on Romero in the build-up.

What initially looked set to become a routine away win took a dramatic turn when Richarlison pulled a goal back for Spurs seven minutes from time. However, Tottenham’s hopes of a late comeback were extinguished when Romero was sent off for kicking out at Ibrahima Konaté, leaving the hosts to finish the match with nine players and suffer a fifth defeat in eight matches under Frank.

Frank Voices Frustration

Frank praised his players’ response but expressed clear frustration with the officiating, particularly regarding Simons’ dismissal and Liverpool’s second goal.

“I’m proud of the players and the team and how they responded,” Frank said. “But I don’t agree with the red card. For me, it’s not reckless and it’s not excessive force.

“He’s chasing Van Dijk, trying to apply pressure, and then changes direction. Unfortunately his foot lands on the Achilles. You can say he needs to be smarter, but are we not allowed physical contact anymore?”

Frank also questioned the severity of the likely suspension. “If he gets three games for that, I don’t understand it. How can that be three matches for something that isn’t reckless? It’s absolutely wrong, and we probably can’t even appeal it.”

The Tottenham boss reserved particular criticism for the build-up to Liverpool’s second goal. “I think the second goal is a mistake from the referee,” he added. “There are two clear hands in the back. You see that given as a foul everywhere else on the pitch, but apparently not in the penalty area.

“That, in my opinion, was the biggest mistake — and VAR didn’t intervene either.”

Slot Reflects on Chaotic Finish

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot acknowledged that the closing stages were far from comfortable, despite Tottenham being reduced to nine men.

“I thought it would make things easier, but in reality it didn’t,” Slot said. “I expected that with nine men we would be able to keep them away from our goal, but it almost felt like we were the team with nine players.

“It was attack after attack from them, even though it didn’t result in a goal.”

Slot confirmed that Isak was forced off with an ankle problem and admitted it was a concern, although he was pleased with the overall progress of his side.

“It was a good goal, assisted by Florian Wirtz,” he added. “I said last week the players are improving and the team is developing. It wasn’t perfect, especially in the final 10 minutes, but we are picking up points and moving in a direction I like.”

Liverpool’s victory keeps their momentum going, while Tottenham are left to reflect on another damaging home defeat and a night dominated by controversy and frustration.