Jurgen Klopp accused referee Paul Tierney after Liverpool win

Jürgen Klopp made serious allegations against referee Paul Tierney after his Liverpool FC’s spectacular 4-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur. “We have our history with Tierney. I really don’t know what he has against us. He said there was no problem but that can’t be true,” the team manager told Sky Sports.

Klopp had been upset with Tierney for the entirety of the game, and after Diogo Jota’s added-time winner, he cheered exuberantly right in front of the fourth official. “My celebration was unnecessary, but what he said to me when he gave me the yellow card is not right,” emphasized Klopp, who could now face disciplinary proceedings.

“I am punished enough”

The England referees’ panel, after reviewing the game’s audio recording, declared that Tierney had “acted professionally”. “We reject any suggestion that Tierney’s conduct was inappropriate,” the statement said. Klopp saw understanding in his celebration but dismissed further allegations. “I didn’t say a bad word to the fourth official,” defended the 55-year-old, joking, “I probably pulled my thigh at that moment, so to be fair, I’ve already been punished.”

Liverpool beat their direct competitor Tottenham 4-3 (3-1) in a wild game on Sunday. Diogo Jota (90th minute +4) fired Liverpool to victory in added time after the Reds gambled away a three-goal lead. Curtis Jones (3rd minute) and Luis Díaz (5th) gave Liverpool the lead in the first five minutes before Mohamed Salah (15th) increased the penalty with a penalty. Tottenham came into play after about 30 minutes. Harry Kane’s goal (39′) was followed by more great chances for the guests.

First Liverpool keeper Alisson parried a shot from Dejan Kulusevski, then Heung-Min Son hit the post. In the second half, which was balanced over long stretches, Son (77th) scored the first goal. Substitute Richarlison (90+3) equalized and celebrated exuberantly, but too early. Because then Jota met directly in return.

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. The gap to a starting place for the lucrative Champions League, however, is large. Fourth-placed Manchester United are seven points clear of the Reds with a game to go.

Spurs, who have 54 points and a game more than Liverpool, slip to sixth and have to tremble for European competition. After the separation of coach Antonio Conte and a month later from interim coach Christian Stellini, Ryan Mason is the third coach this season on the sidelines.