Former Premier League referee and PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has urged the Football Association to “throw the book” at Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp for his furious celebration in front of fourth official John Brooks after Diogo Jota’s 4-3 winner against Tottenham. Klopp was booked for his actions and later accused referee Paul Tierney of saying something to him that was “not OK”. PGMOL have since absolved Tierney of any blame, explaining that they had reviewed audio of the exchange between the referee and Klopp and “strongly refute” his claims.
In a column for the Telegraph, Hackett criticised the German as a “serial offender” and argued that it is “high time” that authorities take action over his “unacceptable touchline antics”. Klopp’s frustration stemmed from both Tierney and his linesman overlooking a clear foul from Spurs defender Ben Davies on Mohamed Salah, instead giving it the other way, shortly before Richarlison equalised at 3-3. Tottenham manager Ryan Mason was also furious at the decision not to send Jota off for a high boot on Oliver Skipp, who should have already been dismissed in the first half for a studs-up challenge on Luis Diaz’s ankle.
Hackett argued that Klopp’s behaviour “promotes poor behaviour at grassroots level and tarnishes the image of the Premier League around the world” and that managers at a lower level will look at how Klopp behaved and think it is okay to do the same. The Liverpool manager has previously been fined £30,000 for his protests to officials in the 1-0 win over Man City in October, as well as £8,000 for his on-field celebration in the Merseyside derby in 2018 and £45,000 for post-match comments on referees after a 1-1 draw with West Ham in 2019.