The English Association of Professional Referees has dismissed coach Jürgen Klopp’s allegations against referee Paul Tierney after Liverpool’s dramatic 4-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur as unfounded. The referee of the Premier League game behaved “consistently professionally”, including when Klopp was warned. Other allegations must be “resolutely” rejected. The Reds coach must fear a possible penalty.
After his emotional celebration of Diogo Jota’s winning goal in the fourth minute of added time, Klopp was shown a yellow card for running angrily at the fourth official. Above all, his anger was with Tierney, with whom you have “a history”, Klopp said nebulously on Sky Sports: “I really don’t know what this man has against us. How he looks at me – I don’t understand it.” And what Tierney said to him when he was warned was “not okay”.
injury while cheering
But Klopp was also insightful. “It was unnecessary to cheer in that direction,” said the 55-year-old, who was even injured while celebrating. “I got yellow for that and pulled my muscle, at least pulled it. That’s fair then.”
Liverpool were already 3-0 up against Tottenham but the visitors came back and equalized in added time. “And then Diogo Jota saved our asses,” said Klopp, “of course that feels great, but I’m not standing here now and I’m completely beside myself with joy.” He would not have liked too many things after the 3-0 lead.
With 56 points, Liverpool are fifth in the table five games before the end of the season and now have it in their own hands to qualify for the Europa League.
