Cristian Romero launches a blistering attack on the Spurs board following defeat
Tottenham’s woes deepened on Wednesday night as a dramatic 3–2 defeat away to Bournemouth ramped up the pressure on Thomas Frank, leaving Spurs languishing 14th in the Premier League table.
The visitors made a bright start at the Vitality Stadium, taking an early lead through Mathys Tel. Bournemouth responded when Evanilson brought the hosts level, before Eli Junior Kroupi turned the game on its head to put the Cherries ahead. Spurs thought they had salvaged a point when João Palhinha struck in the 78th minute, but deep into stoppage time Antoine Semenyo produced a sensational long-range winner in what is expected to be his final appearance for Bournemouth.
The loss marked Spurs’ eighth league defeat of the season after 21 matches, further intensifying scrutiny on Frank. The Dane also attracted attention post-match after being spotted drinking from an Arsenal-branded cup left behind from a previous fixture, later insisting he “definitely did not notice it.”
After the final whistle, captain Cristian Romero took to social media in an emotionally charged response. While apologising to supporters, the Argentine centre-back appeared to take a veiled swipe at the club’s hierarchy.
In a message shared by Fabrizio Romano, Romero initially wrote that certain figures at the club “only show up when things are going well to tell a few lies,” though the reference to “lies” was later edited out.
“Apologies to all the fans who follow us everywhere, who are always there and will continue to be,” Romero posted.
“We are responsible, there’s no doubt about that. I am the first. But we will keep facing up to it and trying to turn the situation around, for ourselves and for the club.
“At times like this, it should be other people coming out to speak, but they don’t — as has been happening for several years now. They only show up when things are going well.
“We’ll stay here, working, sticking together and giving our all to turn things around. Especially in moments like this, keeping quiet, working harder and moving forward together is part of football.
All together, it will be easier.”
Romero’s post drew support from teammates, with Richarlison responding with a clapping emoji and Pedro Porro adding: “Amen. Keep going brother. We have a lot of battles left.”
Tensions also spilled over after the match, as Romero’s defensive partner Micky van de Ven was restrained by club staff following a confrontation with travelling fans. Porro was involved in a similar exchange as frustrations boiled over.
Speaking after the defeat, Frank defended his side’s effort despite the painful outcome.
“I hope everyone can see how hard we worked to move things in the right direction,” he said. “Overall, the performance was good, especially in the second half, and we deserved more from the game.
“It’s extremely painful to be part of something like that. Of course people are frustrated — I’m frustrated too — and that’s natural.”
