The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) denies Jurgen Klopp’s claims of improper conduct by referee Paul Tierney during Liverpool’s match against Tottenham. Klopp received a yellow card from Tierney for his enthusiastic celebration in front of fourth official John Brooks after Diogo Jota’s stoppage-time winner. Unfortunately, Klopp pulled his hamstring during the celebration. Klopp criticized Tierney and accused him of speaking to him inappropriately during the post-match interview.
PGMOL responded to Klopp’s comments, stating that Tierney acted professionally throughout the game, including when cautioning Klopp. They confirmed that Premier League match officials are recorded via a communications system and that they fully reviewed the audio of Tierney, which confirmed his proper and professional conduct. Klopp could face punishment from the Football Association for his behavior.
This is not Klopp’s first time facing censure from the FA due to his touchline behavior. He received a £30,000 fine from an independent commission in October for confronting referee Anthony Taylor during Liverpool’s match against Manchester City at Anfield. Klopp’s comments after the Tottenham match reignited his feud with Tierney, which started during last season’s match against Tottenham in London. Klopp accused Tierney of failing to give Harry Kane a red card and criticized his recent conduct towards him.
Klopp acknowledged that his celebration was unnecessary and admitted that Liverpool’s team should behave appropriately as role models. He also confirmed that he did not say anything inappropriate to the fourth official, but he accepted the punishment of pulling his hamstring during the celebration. Klopp’s comments could damage his relationship with Premier League officials.
