What Cristian Romero did to spark full-time bust-up between Newcastle and Tottenham players

Tottenham drew 2-2 against Newcastle United at St James’ Park, with Spurs captain Cristian Romero rescuing a late point for his side thanks to his staggering acrobatic effort

Cristian Romero’s stoppage-time celebration sparked a bust-up at St James’ Park after he had mimicked Bruno Guimaraes, having just scored a stunning bicycle-kick equaliser. The Spurs captain scored both of the goals for the visitors.

Bruno Guimaraes broke the deadlock in the 71st minute, but Romero quickly hit back. Spurs looked destined for back-to-back defeats until a moment of magic from the defender rescued a point in the 95th minute.

Romero then walked behind the goal, replicating Guimaraes’ celebration – placing his hands over his ears before pointing to his name on the back of his shirt.

The celebration prompted a fierce reaction from Newcastle players at the full-time whistle, which saw plenty of pushing and shoving take place. The players were eventually separated, with Joelinton and Guimaraes having made their feelings known to Romero in particular.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank’s main focus, though, would have been on the result which will have helped to ease the tension for a few more days. He told football.london afterwards: “The perfect bicycle kick, hit the shin, aiming for the bottom corner.

“I think let’s start praising Cuti, I think he deserved that for all of the top performance, defending, on the ball, coolness, calmness, duels.

“And then getting up there and scoring two goals. I think the bicycle kick will most likely get a little bit more praise, but I think the header is more exceptional, the way he does that is better than many strikers.”

Romero later praised the team’s mentality to keep fighting until the end, while admitting they have underperformed in recent games.

“The first goal was very important,” Romero told Sky Sports after the game.

“In the last three or four games the team weren’t good enough. It has been a difficult time but especially in this game I love the mentality.”

Meanwhile, co-commentator Jamie Carragher hailed Romero’s effort.

“Wow! Wayne Rooney would be proud of that! It isn’t the greatest connection,” he said on Sky Sports.

“Almost comes off his shin, as Rooney’s did that time!

“How has that gone in? Newcastle will be kicking themselves. They’ll be furious, Newcastle. Tottenham: two shots on target, two goals.”

Romero missed Spurs’ defeat to Fulham after serving a suspension for accumulating yellow cards.