Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Xavi Simons has publicly apologised following his dismissal in the Premier League match against Liverpool. The Dutch international was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.
The Incident That Led to Dismissal
The pivotal moment occurred during the first half of the fixture at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 20 December 2025. With the scoreline poised at 0-0, Simons caught Van Dijk on the back of the achilles with his studs. The impact was significant enough to tear the Dutch captain's sock.
Initially, the on-field referee did not penalise the action. However, following a consultation with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the decision was upgraded, and Simons was sent off. The midfielder was forced to take an early shower, leaving his team with ten men for the remainder of the contest.
Simons' Public Apology on Social Media
Fully aware that his error made an already difficult task against Liverpool even harder for manager Thomas Frank and his teammates, Simons took to social media to express his remorse. He addressed his apology directly to those affected.
"Mistakes happen," Simons wrote. "Virg is my captain. I would never intentionally hurt him or anyone." He then turned his attention to the Tottenham contingent, adding: "To my Spurs teammates, my manager and the fans, I take responsibility, I'm really sorry."
Consequences and Looking Ahead
The red card carries an automatic suspension, meaning Simons will miss upcoming Premier League fixtures. His absence will be a blow to Tottenham Hotspur as they navigate a busy period in the season. The incident also puts a spotlight on the sometimes-fractious nature of top-flight encounters, even between international teammates.
For Liverpool and Virgil van Dijk, the primary concern will be the defender's fitness following the studs-up challenge, though his ability to continue the match was a positive sign. The apology from Simons may help to draw a line under the event as both clubs focus on their respective campaigns.
