Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank launched a furious critique of the video assistant referee system following his side's contentious 2-1 Premier League defeat to Liverpool at home on Saturday night. The loss, which saw Spurs finish with nine men, was marred by two key VAR interventions that left Frank claiming 'the game is gone'.
Frank's Fury Over Simons Red Card
The Brentford boss's primary anger was directed at the decision to send off midfielder Xavi Simons in the first half. Referee John Brooks initially showed a yellow card for Simons's late challenge on Virgil van Dijk, but upgraded it to a red after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor, following a VAR check.
Frank vehemently disagreed with the overturn, telling the BBC post-match: "I don't like those types of red card because I think the game is gone if that's a red card. I don't think it's a reckless tackle. I don't think it's exceptional force. We have the referee's call and that was a yellow, so that's why I don't think that's a red."
While he later moderated his 'game is gone' comment in his press conference, calling it "probably too big", his frustration over the subsequent three-match ban for Simons was clear. "If it was an intentional or very stupid tackle then it's one thing," Frank added. "I just think it's too harsh that a tackle like that can be three games."
VAR Under Fire Again for Missed Push
Frank's second major grievance involved Liverpool's winning goal, scored by Hugo Ekitiké. The Tottenham manager was incredulous that VAR did not recommend a review for a potential push by Ekitiké on defender Cristian Romero in the build-up.
"A big mistake," Frank stated. "Two hands in the back from the striker: as far as I know the laws of football you are not allowed to do that. That's fine to happen on the pitch, the referees are only human but then the VAR bails you out, which they didn't do."
The defeat was compounded by Romero's late dismissal, receiving a second yellow card for kicking out at Ibrahima Konaté. Frank also felt this incident was mishandled, saying, "I don't think it's a second yellow when you feel the game."
Slot's Concern Amid Liverpool's Victory
For Liverpool manager Arne Slot, the victory which moved his team level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea was overshadowed by a worrying injury to record signing Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker, a half-time substitute, scored the opener but was forced off just 11 minutes later following a heavy challenge from Micky van de Ven.
Slot offered a pessimistic initial assessment: "I don't have any news on him but if a player scores, gets injured and doesn't try to come back on then that's not usually a good thing." He clarified this was his "gut feeling" rather than a medical diagnosis.
Despite the concern, Slot took positives from his team's recent form, having taken 11 points from their last five league matches. "It wasn't perfect, especially in the last 10 minutes, but we're picking up points," he said, acknowledging the team is still a work in progress after summer changes.
Proud Manager Amidst Record Defeat
The result marked an unwanted club record for Tottenham, being their 11th home league defeat of 2025. They currently sit 13th in the Premier League table. However, Frank sought to highlight the resilience shown by his depleted squad.
"I'm extremely proud of the players and the team," he insisted. "I think they gave everything, showed unbelievable mentality and worked very hard on how to deal with setbacks." The manager's comments, however, were ultimately framed by his profound dissatisfaction with the officiating technology that he believes cost his team dearly in a stormy encounter.
