Paul Tierney has a problem with me — Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has risked disciplinary action from the Premier League after accusing referee Paul Tierney of having a problem with him and his team. The outburst followed Liverpool’s dramatic 4-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon, which saw Klopp’s side take a 3-0 lead in the opening 15 minutes before Spurs fought back to level the scores at 3-3.

Liverpool secured the win in injury time, with Diogo Jota scoring the decisive goal just moments after kick-off. Klopp’s reaction to the goal was to run over to the fourth official and scream in his face, injuring himself in the process and earning a yellow card.

Speaking after the game, Klopp revealed his unhappiness with Tierney, suggesting that the referee had said something untoward when brandishing the yellow card. “We have history with Mr Tierney, I really don’t know what this man has with us. He always will say there’s nothing and it’s not true. It cannot be,” Klopp told Sky Sports.

“What he said to me when he gave me the yellow card… it’s not okay. I have pain for a few days, Mr Tierney not. (Next game) I will be ready to do what I always do and the celebrations – if we have something to celebrate will be much calmer.”

Klopp’s previous run-in with Paul Tierney came after Liverpool’s game against Spurs in 2021, when Klopp told the referee: “I have no problems with any referees. Only YOU!”

Despite Klopp’s claims, it was actually the hosts who benefitted from two huge calls during the match. Before his equaliser, Richarlison should have been awarded a penalty when Ibrahima Konate appeared to pull him back inside the box. However, it was Jota’s foul on Oliver Skipp that will hurt Spurs the most, with the forward booting the midfielder in the head and only picking up a yellow card.

Klopp’s comments about Tierney could result in disciplinary action from the Premier League.