Cristian Romero Gets 4-Game Ban After Red Card

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has received a four-game ban from football. This is because he got a red card during the game against Manchester United. He will miss the next four league games for his team.
By Newsroom | Football, England |

Defender's Dismissal Triggers Suspension, Impacting Tottenham's Upcoming Fixtures

Cristian Romero, captain of Tottenham Hotspur, has been handed a four-match ban after receiving a straight red card during the Premier League match against Manchester United. The dismissal occurred in the first half of the game for a studs-up challenge on Manchester United midfielder Casemiro. This suspension means Romero will be unavailable for Tottenham's next four domestic league games, a situation compounded by prior disciplinary issues within the current season.

The incident has led to significant discussion regarding Romero's on-field conduct and his role within the team. The ban also carries implications for Tottenham's league campaign, particularly with crucial matches scheduled during his period of unavailability.

What Tottenham games Cristian Romero will miss after new ban confirmed - 1

Background to the Suspension

Romero's red card against Manchester United on February 7, 2026, was his second of the Premier League season. According to FA guidelines on multiple dismissals, a second sending-off within the same campaign automatically results in an additional one-match ban, escalating the usual three-game suspension to four.

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  • Nature of the Offense: The red card was issued for a tackle deemed dangerous, specifically a "studs-up challenge" on Casemiro.

  • Prior Red Card: Romero was previously sent off against Liverpool in December of the same season. This previous dismissal contributes to the increased ban duration.

  • Club Context: The incident occurred during Tottenham's 2-0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Specific Matches Romero Will Miss

The four-match ban confines Romero to the sidelines for the following Premier League fixtures:

What Tottenham games Cristian Romero will miss after new ban confirmed - 2

  • February 10, 2026: Tottenham vs. Newcastle United (Home)

  • February 22, 2026: Tottenham vs. Arsenal (Home)

  • March 1, 2026: Fulham vs. Tottenham (Away)

  • March 5, 2026: Tottenham vs. Crystal Palace (Home)

While suspended for domestic competitions, Romero remains eligible for potential UEFA Champions League matches during this period.

Broader Context: Player Conduct and Team Management

Romero's red card follows a period of public commentary from the player regarding the club's situation. In January, he made public statements via social media that were critical of Tottenham's hierarchy and the perceived lack of squad depth, particularly in light of an injury crisis. This has led to scrutiny of his captaincy and his overall position within the team.

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What Tottenham games Cristian Romero will miss after new ban confirmed - 3

  • Apology: Romero reportedly apologized to his teammates in the dressing room following the red card incident.

  • Managerial Support: Manager Thomas Frank has expressed that Romero remains one of his most important players, despite acknowledging the need for him to control his aggression. Frank has stated he does not intend to remove Romero's captaincy at this time.

  • Previous Disciplinary Record: This is Romero's sixth red card in all competitions for Tottenham, a statistic that has drawn criticism and commentary from former players and pundits. He has also accumulated eight yellow cards this season, placing him at risk of further suspensions if he reaches ten before gameweek 32.

Implications for Tottenham

The absence of Cristian Romero presents a significant challenge for Tottenham. He is considered a vital player, and his departure from the field against Manchester United left the team playing with ten men for an extended period. The timing of his suspension is particularly impactful, as it includes a high-stakes derby match against Arsenal, a fixture that could influence the Premier League title race. The club's ability to maintain performance levels without a key defender and leader will be closely observed.

Evidence of Suspension and Missed Matches

Multiple reports confirm the length of the ban and the specific games Romero will miss.

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What Tottenham games Cristian Romero will miss after new ban confirmed - 4
MatchDateCompetitionRomero's StatusSource(s)
Tottenham vs. NewcastleFeb 10, 2026Premier LeagueSuspendedStandard, Metro, Football.london, CaughtOffside, Spurs Web
Tottenham vs. ArsenalFeb 22, 2026Premier LeagueSuspendedStandard, Football.london, CaughtOffside, Mirror, GiveMeSport
Fulham vs. TottenhamMar 1, 2026Premier LeagueSuspendedStandard, Metro, Football.london, Spurs Web
Tottenham vs. Crystal PalaceMar 5, 2026Premier LeagueSuspendedStandard, Metro, Football.london, Spurs Web

Note: The ban applies specifically to domestic league matches.

Expert and Media Commentary

Commentary surrounding Romero's actions has been varied, with some analysts highlighting his passion and importance to the team, while others have pointed to his disciplinary record as a significant concern.

"He's a good player, he likes a tackle, he enjoys it, but there’s no need. He didn’t need to stay on him… he could have tackled him and come away, but he decided to stay on him. He doesn’t need to do that, there’s no need to go in like he has."— Source: Metro

"Romero is a liability."— Rio Ferdinand, Former Man United Defender (via Daily Mail)

"Is he still going to make mistakes going forward as a leader, does he do a lot of good things?"— Source: Football.london

Conclusion and Next Steps

Cristian Romero's four-match Premier League suspension, triggered by his red card against Manchester United, marks a significant period of absence for Tottenham Hotspur. The ban underscores a recurring pattern of disciplinary issues for the player this season, leading to increased scrutiny of his temperament and leadership. While manager Thomas Frank has reiterated his support for Romero, the club must navigate these upcoming fixtures without their captain. The impact on Tottenham's league position, particularly in challenging games like the north London derby against Arsenal, will be a key development to monitor. Further disciplinary action could arise if Romero accumulates more yellow cards, potentially extending his period on the sidelines.

Sources and Context

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Cristian Romero get a ban?
He got a red card for a dangerous tackle during a game against Manchester United.
Q: How many games will he miss?
He will miss four games in the league.
Q: Will he miss the game against Arsenal?
Yes, he will miss the important game against Arsenal because of the ban.
Q: Can he play in other games?
The ban is only for league games. He can play in other types of matches if his team is in them.