England’s referee association has accused Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp of making inappropriate statements to the referee after the game against Tottenham Hotspur. The German coach already felt the mood after his statements.
Klopp fears: “I will probably get a penalty”
Jürgen Klopp’s preview press conference was not only about Wednesday night’s game against Fulham, but especially about his argument with referee Paul Tierney. Klopp and Tierney got into a fight during and after the match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur ( 4-3 ) on Sunday.
Klopp was booked for cheering for the fourth official after Diogo Jota’s winning goal in stoppage time, but in turn was not happy with decisions Tierney made in that game. He stated that the England referee has “something against” Liverpool and his actions were “inappropriate”. The English association is now investigating whether those statements are punishable. Klopp said that Tierney also said things to him that are inappropriate, although that was refuted by the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited).
“We have our history with Tierney, I really don’t know what he has against us. He has said there are no problems, but that can’t be true. How he looks at me, I don’t understand. What he said to me when he gave me the yellow card is not okay,” Klopp said afterwards.
Klopp thinks he could be screwed because of his lyrics, he says now. Klopp continued, “The whole situation should not have happened at all. It was out of emotion and anger. I know Paul Tierney isn’t doing this intentionally, absolutely not, but we have our history. I’m not angry at all, but it’s a waste of time.”
“I’m sorry all the headlines were about me. I have no idea what is happening now, we expect a response because they are telling us something is coming. And I will probably get a penalty now, because the referees question my integrity. I have only described my feeling,” he concluded.
Injury and charges: Klopp’s fears come true
Liverpool took a 3-0 lead against Tottenham very quickly, gave it away, and then made it 4-3 deep into extra time. It earned Klopp a role in the spotlight, as the coach suffered an injury while celebrating that late goal. He also appeared to say some unkind words to fourth official John Brooks.
After the final whistle, referee Paul Tierney made Klopp pay for his actions. “We have our history with Tierney, I really don’t know what he has against us. He has said there are no problems, but that can’t be true. How he looks at me, I don’t understand,” Klopp mentioned.
These statements may therefore result in Klopp being fined and/or suspended. The FA has charged the German, the Liverpool coach has a few days to respond to the charge.
