Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told Paul Tierney ‘you’ve never played football’ and ‘I have no problems with other referees, only you’ after their 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Sunday.
Klopp was furious with Tierney’s decision to only give Harry Kane a yellow card for his tackle on Andy Robertson in the first half. The Reds were also denied a penalty when Diogo Jota was barged inside the area by Spurs’ Emerson Royal.
Liverpool were reduced to 10 men in the second half as Robertson was sent off for his swipe on Royal. Tierney initially gave him a yellow card before he reviewed the incident on the pitch-side monitor and changed his decision.
- Lionel Messi has another milestone surpassed same day he loses assists record
- Lacazette names four possible Arsenal captains to replace Aubameyang
Klopp confronted Tierney on the pitch after the game and immediately said: ‘I have no problems with other referees, only you.’
When asked if Kane should have been sent off in the thrilling encounter, Klopp told Sky Sports: ‘Yes definitely.
‘You can give Robbo a red card, it is not the smartest challenge of his career but that is definitely a red card. No doubt about it. His leg was in the air, it was pure coincidence. Harry cannot judge it. If Robbo’s leg is on the ground it is a broken leg.
‘We have a VAR sitting there and he thinks have a look again at Robertson again. Fine that’s what he is there for. But what did he do in that situation? And then there is the penalty situation with Diogo Jota.
‘Mr Tierney told me Diogo stops on purpose because he wants the foul. First and foremost if you want to shoot you have to stop because you cannot do both.
‘It is always helpful when you play football yourself. When you see the situation back [Jota’s penalty appeal], the VAR is there. Why is he stopping? I don’t understand. The draw is fine. We are not crazy enough to think we cannot draw at Tottenham but these situations are crucial.
‘I have no idea what his [Paul Tierney] problem is with me.
‘I was a bit more emotional in the game but he gives me a yellow card but it is not allowed in a situation like this? He comes over and gives me a yellow card but I’d have preferred the right decisions on the pitch.
‘We have our complete midfield out, the best centre half in the world… We lose our captain on matchday so you cannot expect to play the best football game of the season. You have to fight and that’s what the boys did.
‘But just an objective ref who sees the situations and judges them. He told me he thinks he stops on purpose. It is incredible. He had the best spot on the pitch and doesn’t give it. You will have to ask him what his problem is with me.’
