Thomas Frank confirms instant Cristian Romero decision after record-equalling red card in Tottenham Hotspur defeat

Thomas Frank has confirmed that he will not remove Cristian Romero as his captain at Tottenham despite another red card.

Romero was sent off in the 29th minute of their 2-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester United on Saturday afternoon.

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The Argentine was dismissed after a challenge that caught Casemiro on the ankle and left referee Michael Oliver with a simple decision.

Across his five seasons at Spurs, the centre-back has been sent off six times in all competitions.

This is the most of any Premier League player during this period, and his latest red will see him miss their next four matches.

Romero will most notably be absent from their north London derby against title challengers Arsenal on February 22.

Spurs head coach Frank was asked about his captain and if there’s any regret over giving him the armband at the start of the season.

“No, there’s not,” he said. “Also, he said he was sorry for the incident, apologised to his team-mates in the changing room.

“No, I think he’s one of the most important players, and I think when he performs top, he’s driving the team.”

A reporter then suggested that Romero’s red card inside half an hour away to United will have done no favours to an under-pressure Frank.

The Dane then replied: “I think it’s fair to say I don’t think he had any intention to get a red card after 28 minutes.”

And when Frank was asked if he would consider a change of captain, he simply said: “No.”

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Spurs slump continues

It’s been nearly six weeks since Spurs were last won a league match, a narrow 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace.

Four draws and three defeats have followed in a run that leaves them 15 points off the top four.

What’s more alarming, though, is that there are only six points between them and London rivals West Ham in the relegation zone.

Championship football from next season remains an unlikely prospect, but it’s a scenario that Spurs are now fighting against.

After playing Newcastle on Tuesday night, they will have 12 days to prepare for the visit of Arsenal.

A win would not only upset their rival’s title challenge but also help steer them away from the bottom three.