Cristian Romero attacks Tottenham board after Bournemouth defeat

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has launched a blistering public attack on the club’s hierarchy following another damaging defeat, accusing senior figures of only speaking out “when things are going well” — and then “to tell a few lies”.

Spurs’ crisis deepened on Wednesday night as Antoine Semenyo struck in the 95th minute to hand Bournemouth their first Premier League win in 12 matches. The 3-2 loss left Tottenham marooned in 14th place and intensified scrutiny on Thomas Frank’s first season in charge.

The final whistle sparked ugly scenes in the away end. Pedro Porro and Micky van de Ven confronted furious travelling supporters, with video footage showing Porro being dragged away by team-mate Guglielmo Vicario.

Frank later approached the away end himself, only to be met by deafening boos — a stark illustration of the growing disconnect between club, players and supporters.

In the hours after the defeat, Romero posted a strongly worded message on Instagram, taking responsibility as captain while directing pointed criticism at Tottenham’s leadership.

“Apologies to all fans of you who follow us everywhere, who are always there and will continue to be,” Romero wrote. “We are responsible, there’s no doubt about that. I am the first.

“But 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, to tell a few lies.”

Romero later edited the post to remove the phrase “to tell a few lies”, but the message had already landed — and hard.

The reaction from within the squad was telling. Porro and Richarlison publicly replied in support of their captain, while players including Xavi Simons and Radu Dragusin liked the post.

It underlined a sense of unity among the players — but also highlighted a widening rift between the squad and the boardroom.

This is not the first time Romero has spoken out. Following a defeat to Chelsea in December 2024, he delivered a similarly blunt assessment of the club’s internal issues.

“You have to realise that something is going wrong,” he said at the time.
“The last few years it’s always the same — first the players, then the coaching staff changes, and it’s always the same people responsible.

“Hopefully they realise who the true responsible ones are and we move forward, because it’s a beautiful club that, with the structure it has, could easily be competing for the title every year.”

Those comments were widely interpreted as a parting shot, with Romero expected to leave last summer. Instead, he stayed, signed a new contract and was named club captain following the exit of Heung-min Son.

Romero’s outburst feels like a breaking point moment — not just for Frank’s Tottenham, but for the wider direction of the club. Public criticism of ownership and hierarchy from a serving captain is rare, and it speaks to a deep frustration that has been simmering for years.

With results deteriorating, fan anger rising and senior players now speaking out, Tottenham’s leadership may soon find it impossible to remain silent.

Tottenham now face a defining period — not just on the pitch, but off it. Romero has thrown down a challenge to the board, and how they respond could shape the club’s immediate future.

Is Cristian Romero right to call out Tottenham’s hierarchy — or has the captain crossed a dangerous line?