Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero finds himself at the centre of a Football Association investigation following a controversial incident during Thursday night's fiery London derby against Chelsea.
The Argentine World Cup winner is under scrutiny for an alleged stamp on Chelsea defender Levi Colwill during Spurs' dramatic 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge. The clash occurred in the 27th minute of the Premier League encounter, sparking immediate controversy among fans and pundits alike.
Incident Escalates Despite VAR Review
While match referee Robert Jones reviewed the incident using VAR technology, Romero escaped any disciplinary action during the game itself. However, the FA has since launched a formal investigation that could see the Tottenham centre-back facing retrospective punishment.
Television replays clearly show Romero making contact with Colwill's leg after the Chelsea defender had fallen to the ground following an aerial challenge. The incident went unpunished at the time, much to the frustration of Chelsea players and staff.
History Repeats Itself for Controversial Defender
This isn't the first time Romero has found himself in hot water for his aggressive playing style. The 25-year-old has developed a reputation for physical challenges that sometimes cross the line into dangerous territory.
Football authorities are taking a particularly dim view of incidents that might have been missed by match officials but are captured clearly by broadcast cameras. The FA's decision to investigate suggests they believe there's a case to answer.
Potential Consequences for Tottenham
Should Romero be found guilty of violent conduct, he could face a suspension that would deal a significant blow to Tottenham's defensive options. With several crucial fixtures approaching, manager Ange Postecoglou will be anxiously awaiting the FA's verdict.
The incident adds another chapter to the growing rivalry between these two London clubs, whose encounters have become increasingly heated in recent seasons.
Chelsea ultimately emerged victorious from the contest, with goals from Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson sealing three important points for Mauricio Pochettino's side in their push for European qualification.
