Thomas Frank felt his Spurs side were harshly treated by the referee in their 2-1 home defeat to Liverpool.
Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero were both sent off, with Simons being shown a straight red for a challenge on Virgil van Dijk in the first half.
Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike put the Reds two ahead, before Richarlison pulled one back for Tottenham.
But Frank’s side were forced to finish the game with nine men after captain Romero was shown a second yellow card for kicking out at Ibrahima Konate.
"What is he doing?!"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 20, 2025
Cristian Romero is sent off in stoppage time! 🟥 pic.twitter.com/Lketwxa46b
“The first red I’ve seen been given before but I also said before, definitely a few times at Brentford but also others, I don’t like that this is a red card,” Frank said on the decision to send Simons off.
“I think the game is, it’s probably too big to say gone, but, for me, it’s not reckless, it’s not exceptional force. He’s chasing van Dijk, he’s trying to put pressure, changes direction. Unfortunately his foot is on his achilles.
“You can say he needs to be smarter, don’t do it and all that, so we’re not allowed to have physical contact anymore? So that’s the thing on that.
“The next thing is if he gets three games, which I don’t understand. How can he get three games on something which is not reckless? That’s absolutely wrong and we probably can’t appeal.”
"He's absolutely nowhere near that football!"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 20, 2025
Xavi Simons is sent off for a reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk 🟥 pic.twitter.com/mt3B6SJR6z
Frank also does not believe the decision to send his captain off was clear cut.
“The second yellow, I see two big boys competing and Konate absolutely smashing through Cuti (Romero),” he said.
“It’s a foul, I’m not saying anything more.
“His foot lands on Cuti’s head, not a yellow, I’m not saying that, but Cuti makes a reaction. I guess it can be given but I guess it can be not given.
“I think any player needs to control their emotions and be cool headed. It’s not always because you are the captain that you need to be exceptionally cool headed.
“We’re talking about a very passionate player that’s been very good for this club.”
Moreover, Frank says Liverpool’s second goal should not have stood because of a push by Ekitike on Romero.
A fifth goal in his last three Premier League games for Hugo Ekitike! 😤 pic.twitter.com/OLhuuz2MlI
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 20, 2025
“I think the second goal is a mistake from the ref,” he said. “I think there’s two hands in the back clearly. I don’t understand that how you can do that.
“Everywhere else we’ve seen that 1000 times on the pitch, someone goes up for a header, a goal-kick into the centre-back, two hands in the back and it’s a foul.
“I think that was the biggest mistake in my opinion. And from VAR.”

I agree with Thomas Frank Liverpool’s second goal should have been disallowed due to the blatant push in the back. How the referee, VAR and Gary Neville missed this is a disgrace!
In addition the standard of referee’s is falling year on year.