Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has been criticized for flying back to Argentina instead of supporting his teammates in their final-day Premier League relegation decider against Everton.
The injured defender is traveling home to watch his boyhood club, Belgrano, in a historic championship decider against River Plate on Sunday.
The center back has been out since suffering a knee injury last month. While he had previously been present on the touchline for big moments, he has now chosen to return to his homeland for the match.
The timing is particularly sensitive as Spurs face the real threat of relegation to the Championship on the same afternoon. Sports radio host Paul Hawksbee called the decision "terrible," saying the captain appears to view Spurs as a "distraction from Argentina."
South American football expert Tim Vickery provided context: Belgrano have never won the Argentine championship, and this match carries enormous historical weight.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi has overseen six matches with two wins, two draws, and two defeats. Tottenham's fate remains uncertain: a defeat to Everton, combined with a West Ham win over Leeds, would send Spurs down. A draw or win guarantees survival.