Xavi Simons was dismissed during Tottenham's encounter with Liverpool this evening following a dangerous tackle on Virgil van Dijk, as the Premier League made a statement.
The Dutch midfielder initially received a caution from referee John Brooks after catching his compatriot on the back of the leg during a largely uneventful first half at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
However, officials at Stockley Park intervened, directing Brooks to examine the incident on the pitchside monitor.
Upon reviewing the footage, which revealed Simons had connected with Van Dijk's calf using raised studs, the referee upgraded his decision to a straight red card.
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Xavi Simons was sent off after a 'ridiculous challenge', according to Gary Neville
|REUTERS
Brooks announced his verdict: "After review, the Tottenham number seven, with studs, catches the Liverpool player on the calf high - it's an act of serious foul play. My final decision is red card."
Gary Neville offered a withering assessment of the challenge during his Sky Sports commentary duties.
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"It is a ridiculous challenge, considering he was never going to get there," the former Manchester United defender remarked.
"He is absolutely nowhere near that football. He is going to get a red card."
The Premier League Match Centre swiftly confirmed the decision via social media, stating: "After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of yellow card to Simons and issued a red card for serious foul play."
"He's absolutely nowhere near that football!"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 20, 2025
Xavi Simons is sent off for a reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk 🟥 pic.twitter.com/mt3B6SJR6z
Neville elaborated further on the potential consequences of such reckless play, noting: "Virgil van Dijk is six foot four and 15 stone. If it is the other way around, it's a leg breaker."
Tellingly, none of the Spurs players contested the decision once they had witnessed the replays.
Neville observed that his former colleagues were left questioning their teammate's judgement, with their expressions asking: "What are you doing?"
The dismissal carries a mandatory three-match suspension for serious foul play, ruling Simons out of Tottenham's festive fixtures.
The Netherlands international will be absent for the short trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace, followed by the visit to Brentford before the new year.
His ban extends into 2026, with the home fixture against Sunderland also affected.
The sending-off represents another setback in what has been a disappointing start to Simons' Tottenham career.