Gary Neville has heavily criticized Xavi Simons following the Tottenham midfielder's straight red card in their Premier League clash against Liverpool. The incident occurred in the 33rd minute of the match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when Simons was initially shown a yellow card for a challenge on Virgil van Dijk, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.

Neville, covering the game as a pundit for Sky Sports, didn't hold back in his assessment of the tackle. He described the challenge as "ridiculous" and a "leg breaker". The VAR official, Brooks, explained the decision-making process behind the red card, stating, "After review, the Tottenham number seven [Simons], with studs, catches the Liverpool player [Van Dijk] on the calf high - it's an act of serious foul play. My final decision is red card". The challenge involved Simons raking his studs down the back of Van Dijk's calf.

The dismissal significantly hampered Tottenham's chances, forcing them to play with ten men for the majority of the match. The game was relatively uneventful until the red card, with both teams displaying a cautious approach. The sending off changed the complexion of the game, handing Liverpool a significant advantage.

Simons's rash challenge on his Netherlands teammate was described as a "bizarre loss of composure". As a result of the straight red card for serious foul play, Simons will now face a three-game ban.

Interestingly, Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch was seen high-fiving Simons after the red card incident. It is unknown why Gravenberch high-fived Simons.