Keith Hackett has blasted PGMOL over their handling of the Cristian Romero incident in Tottenham’s loss to Manchester United, calling the decision unacceptable.

Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes sealed all three points for Manchester United at Old Trafford on 7 February, but the match turned when Tottenham were reduced to 10 men after Cristian Romero was sent off for a reckless challenge on Casemiro.

The dismissal proved decisive, prompting former referee Keith Hackett to criticise PGMOL, the body overseeing match officials. While Hackett agreed the red card was justified, he insisted Spurs have grounds to be frustrated by inconsistent decision-making across the Premier League.

Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett said Romero’s challenge amounted to serious foul play and warranted a red card, but pointed out that similar incidents in other matches have gone unpunished. He stressed that PGMOL must ensure greater consistency in how such decisions are interpreted and enforced.

Romero’s sending off was his fourth Premier League red card for Tottenham, placing him level with Younes Kaboul for the most dismissals by a Spurs player in the competition’s history. The incident once again highlighted concerns over his discipline, with his record this season standing at 21 appearances, four goals, two red cards and eight yellow cards.

While Tottenham may question the consistency of officiating, Romero’s latest dismissal added to an ongoing pattern of costly moments that have repeatedly left his side at a disadvantage in key matches.