Spurs defender Cristian Romero screamed in the face of Chelsea full-back Reece James after Harry Kane's late equaliser at Stamford Bridge.
Kane's dramatic stoppage-time goal became a huge talking point on Sunday after replays clearly showed Romero pulling Marc Cucurella's hair – an action that resulted in the Spaniard going to ground.
The incident was checked by VAR after Kane headed home to make it 2-2 but to the surprise of many, a VAR check deemed their to be no issue.
📸 - Before the corner from which Kane scored, there was a VAR check for a possible red card for Romero who pulled Cucurella down with his own hair. pic.twitter.com/MjbenObvWo
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) August 14, 2022
Awful hair pull. Violent conduct, an act of brutality. Christian Romero on Marc Cucurella, that’s a red card! Could’ve affected ensuing corner. VAR fail.
— Robbie Mustoe (@robbiemustoe) August 14, 2022
Many feel the 24-year-old defender should have been sent off for the hair pull but the goal stood and Spurs players ran over to their travelling supporters to celebrate.
But rather than join his teammates in the immediate aftermath, Romero decided to approach Reece James and scream in his face.
This isn't the first time Romero has showed no mercy to his opponents. Back in March, he laughed in Harry Maguire's face after the Manchester United man scored an own-goal.
💪🏼 I love Romero fronting up Reece James when Kane scored!#SpursUpdates #TogetherTHFC #THFC pic.twitter.com/jbygEgJFRj
— 🧾 ꜱᴘᴜʀꜱ ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇꜱ (@SpursUpdates2) August 14, 2022
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel slammed the decision in his post-match interview.
“I have to say both (Spurs) goals cannot stand," the German told Sky Sports. "It’s only one team that deserved to win and that was us. I’m sorry for my team they don’t get what they deserve.
"It was a clear foul on Havertz in the build-up, a clear foul. We had one tactical foul from James which got a yellow. I don’t know how many tactical fouls Hojbjerg and Bentancur did today.
“The situation went on and on, and it was a clear offside on Richarlison. He is in line of the shot. He even goes to the ball, so Mendy can’t see the ball. The check it, it is a clear offside.
"And when can you pull hair on the football field? When is that? So we check and nothing happens, so we don’t need to check no more. It’s ridiculous."
🗣 "Since when can you pull hair on a football field."
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 14, 2022
Thomas Tuchel is highly critical of the decisions being made throughout the game and the overuse of tactical fouls pic.twitter.com/NYid5art6J
Here's how social media reacted to Romero's actions in the final minutes at Stamford Bridge.
Yes, Romero should have received a red card after pulling down Cucurella by his hair pic.twitter.com/jZTp5HU8wt
— Has the Referee or VAR made a poor decision? (@PoorEPLreferees) August 14, 2022
Awful hair pull. Violent conduct, an act of brutality. Christian Romero on Marc Cucurella, that’s a red card! Could’ve affected ensuing corner. VAR fail.
— Robbie Mustoe (@robbiemustoe) August 14, 2022
Romero screaming in Reece James face after the equaliser YOU LOVE TO SEE IT
— Ollie (@moura_that) August 14, 2022
Didn't realise how much into Reece James face Romero gets 😭 https://t.co/KYC5XWEuUX
— JH (@iitsJxsh) August 14, 2022
Thoughts on the incidents?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: Premier League/Twitter
Topics: Chelsea, Reece James, Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League
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