Tottenham suffer setback as key player is ruled out of FA Cup clash with Aston Villa

Tottenham Hotspur had been awaiting the Football Association’s decision on Cristian Romero after his red card in the defeat to Liverpool, where he received two yellow cards. It was suggested that the Spurs captain could face further punishment depending on the FA’s ruling, having been charged with failing to leave the pitch promptly and for confronting the referee.

Thomas Frank confirmed that Tottenham had appealed the decision, and the verdict has now been delivered.

The Football Association has confirmed that Romero has been sanctioned for his conduct during the match against Liverpool on December 20. The punishment relates to his failure to leave the field of play quickly and his confrontational or aggressive behaviour towards the referee.

Romero admitted the charge, and an independent regulatory commission has issued a one-match suspension along with a £50,000 fine. In a statement on X, the FA said the defender acted improperly around the 93rd minute by not leaving the pitch promptly and/or behaving in a confrontational or aggressive manner towards the referee. The commission confirmed the sanctions after a hearing, with written reasons to be published later.

As a result of the ruling, Romero will miss Tottenham’s FA Cup clash against Aston Villa on Saturday evening.

Thomas Frank will now be forced to make changes in defence, with Kevin Danso expected to replace Romero as Spurs face Unai Emery’s side.

The Tottenham captain is expected to return for Premier League action on January 17, when Spurs play West Ham United.