Jurgen Klopp will take charge of Liverpool at Anfield for the penultimate time on Sunday, when they meet Tottenham, but the German will face a familiar rival.
Jurgen Klopp is in for another difficult encounter with Premier League referee Paul Tierney when Liverpool face Tottenham on Sunday.
Liverpool’s title aspirations have taken a hit in recent weeks, following a poor run of only one win in their last five games. After losing 2-0 to Everton in the Merseyside derby, they drew 2-2 with West Ham the next weekend, leaving them five points behind league leaders Arsenal and four behind second-placed Manchester City.
Despite this, Klopp’s side will be hoping to finish the season on a high note when they meet Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday, ahead of the German manager’s exit at the end of the season. However, Tierney’s presence might put a pall over Klopp’s penultimate home game, given their previous meetings.
Tierney has been appointed as the game’s referee, with Scott Ledger and Mat Wilkes as his assistants, Tom Bramall as fourth official, and John Brooks on VAR responsibilities. Tierney had already fought with Klopp in two other Liverpool vs Tottenham matches.
Klopp has been frustrated with referee Tierney since a disputed 2-2 draw at Tottenham in December 2021. The Liverpool boss was visibly enraged after Andy Robertson was sent off, while Harry Kane was not penalised for a similar offence, and Diogo Jota’s penalty demands were rejected.
Klopp was arrested for his protests and was captured on camera saying Tierney, “I have no issues with any referees.” “Just you.” Following the match, Klopp stated, “Mr Tierney informed me he thinks Diogo stops on purpose because he wants the foul. First and first, if you wish to shoot, you must halt since he cannot run and shoot simultaneously. People who have previously played football will always find it beneficial.”
The tensions rose following a thrilling 4-3 victory over Tottenham in May of last year, when Klopp’s celebration of Jota’s last-gasp winner included a rush down the touchline towards fourth official Brooks. In the aftermath, Klopp made critical statements about Tierney during a Sky Sports interview, implying that the referee had a personal vendetta against him and Liverpool.
“We have our story, our history with Mr Tierney,” Klopp explained to Sky Sports. “I’m not sure what this dude has with us. I honestly don’t know. He will continually declare there is nothing, which is not true; it cannot be. I have something to say. It cannot be; I don’t understand it. I’m not sure if it’s me, but he glances at me… “I don’t get it.”
In an unprecedented move, the PGMOL issued a statement to “strongly refute” Klopp’s assertions. As a result, the FA penalised him with a two-game suspension and a £75,000 fine for his comments.
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