Tottenham captain Romero at risk of extended suspension after Liverpool dismissal

Cristian Romero faces the possibility of a longer ban following charges from the Football Association for not leaving the pitch quickly and displaying aggressive behaviour after his red card in the match against Liverpool last Saturday.

The Tottenham Hotspur skipper picked up a second yellow for lashing out at Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate and was then instructed to leave by referee John Brooks in the 2-1 loss.

Romero's exit reduced Spurs to nine players on the field since Xavi Simons had earlier been dismissed for serious foul play in the opening half.

The Argentine defender initially received a caution for dissent after protesting that Hugo Ekitike had shoved him during the forward's goal that made it 2-0 for Liverpool.

His sending-off guarantees a one-game suspension so he will sit out the away fixture at Crystal Palace on Sunday.

However further sanctions could extend his absence if the charges are upheld and he has until January 2 to reply to the notice issued on Wednesday.

Tottenham face Brentford on New Year's Day then welcome Sunderland on January 4 followed by a trip to Bournemouth three days afterwards.

The FA statement read: "It is alleged that he acted improperly by not leaving the playing area without delay and or by acting in a confrontational or aggressive way towards the official after his dismissal in the 93rd minute."

Romero entered the fixture with seven yellows in the Premier League this term and Tottenham manager Thomas Frank criticised referee Brooks for mishandling the defender's departure.

Frank stated: "John made a huge error on the field."

He continued: "Ekitike pushed with both hands on the back. I cannot fathom how he missed it. Fine we have VAR to help but it failed when it mattered and that was the second error."

The Danish manager went on: "Looking back at that second Liverpool goal if the referee had done his role properly then Romero would not have got the initial yellow. Is that reasonable to claim?

"My player is hugely passionate and with that comes the need to push boundaries at times."

The loss dropped Spurs to 14th position heightening the scrutiny on Frank who assumed control after Ange Postecoglou's dismissal in June.