Frank Slams Referee Decisions as Spurs Fall to Nine Men in Liverpool Defeat

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank launched a strong criticism of referee John Brooks after Spurs were beaten 2-1 at home by Liverpool, a match overshadowed by two red cards and a series of contentious decisions.

The game turned sharply after Xavi Simons was sent off following a VAR review for a late challenge on Virgil van Dijk inside the opening half-hour, leaving Tottenham to play more than an hour with ten men and eventually nine.

Liverpool took control after the break when substitute Alexander Isak broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, scoring despite picking up an injury in the process. Hugo Ekitike then doubled the visitors’ lead, rising above Cristian Romero to head home and put Liverpool firmly in charge.

The result leaves Simons facing a likely three-match suspension, ruling him out of upcoming fixtures against Crystal Palace, Brentford, and Sunderland during the congested festive schedule, a blow to a Spurs side already under pressure.

Inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the mood shifted quickly from early optimism to frustration. Spurs had started with intensity, pressing Liverpool high and attempting to disrupt their buildup, but the red card altered the balance of the contest entirely. Liverpool’s midfield began to dictate play, while Tottenham focused on compact defending and quick transitions.

Key incidents continued to define the afternoon. Frank was visibly animated on the touchline, particularly after Liverpool’s second goal, which he believed should have been disallowed for a push by Ekitike on Romero in the buildup. VAR reviewed the moment but allowed the goal to stand, further inflaming Spurs’ protests.

Liverpool’s goals told the story of their composure and physical edge. Isak’s opener came from a sharp attacking move, his finish decisive despite the awkward landing that caused his injury. Ekitike’s header followed soon after, winning the aerial duel and exploiting Tottenham’s stretched defensive line.

The second half saw Spurs refuse to collapse. Despite being down a man, they pushed forward when possible and found a lifeline seven minutes from time when Richarlison pulled one back, igniting belief among the home supporters.

That momentum, however, was short-lived. Romero, already booked, was shown a second yellow card for appearing to react toward Ibrahima Konaté, reducing Spurs to nine men at the very moment they were building pressure for an equaliser.

Frank later defended his captain, arguing that the challenge leading to the dismissal was part of a physical contest and that Romero’s reaction could have been judged differently. He also reiterated his belief that Simons’ original red card was harsh and questioned how a three-match ban could follow an incident he did not consider reckless.

The defeat leaves Tottenham searching for answers as the festive fixtures approach, while Liverpool move forward with momentum despite injury concerns. For Frank and Spurs, the focus now shifts to discipline, decision-making, and how to recover points with key players set to miss crucial matches.