After Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Tottenham in a dramatic match, Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp expressed frustration with referee Paul Tierney, suggesting that he has a bias against Liverpool.
The Reds had a commanding 3-0 lead within the first 15 minutes of the match, but Tottenham managed to equalize with an injury-time goal from Richarlison. Klopp was particularly irate about a free-kick awarded to Spurs that led to their equalizer and confronted the fourth official after Liverpool’s winning goal, which resulted in a yellow card.
Klopp claimed that Tierney’s behavior towards him was difficult to understand and that there is a history of problems with the referee. Klopp also criticized Tierney’s comments after the match and stated that they were not acceptable.
The Premier League referee governing body, PGMOL, acknowledged Jurgen Klopp’s recent comments following Liverpool’s match against Tottenham Hotspur. PGMOL stated that all referees in Premier League games are monitored through a communication system.
After conducting a thorough review of referee Paul Tierney’s audio during the game, we can confirm that he acted professionally, including when showing the yellow card to Liverpool’s manager.
Therefore, we strongly reject any insinuation that Tierney acted inappropriately.
Former England striker Alan Shearer stated: “Paul Tierney could have sent Diogo Jota off, and Klopp did not mention that too quickly. Klopp was fortunate to receive only a yellow card when he approached the fourth official, and this is not the first time he has done it.”
Following his injury during the match against Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp stated that he is uncertain whether it was his hamstring or adductor muscle that caused it, but he “got punished.” Klopp also explained that he turned around to celebrate with the fourth official, who had made no mistakes, and that his expression was enough to trigger the muscle. Despite his injury, Klopp went to celebrate with fans after the Reds’ victory.
Klopp’s dispute with referee Paul Tierney seems to have started several years ago, with Tierney telling Klopp to “get over it” after missing a foul on Georginio Wijnaldum during a match against Aston Villa in 2020. Klopp also approached Tierney in 2021 and said, “I have no problem with any referees, only you,” after Tottenham’s Harry Kane escaped a red card before Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson was sent off in a 2-2 draw. Klopp has previously expressed frustration with referees, including Tierney, for their decisions during matches.
