Jurgen Klopp Calls for Replay of Tottenham vs. Liverpool After VAR Fiasco

In the aftermath of Saturday’s VAR fiasco at Tottenham, sources close to Liverpool had played down the possibility of a replay being sought. Instead, they were pushing for improved processes surrounding the awarding of goals and correcting the protocol that saw Luis Diaz’s strike incorrectly chalked off. However, Jurgen Klopp has now shocked everyone by taking a sledgehammer to Liverpool’s initial position.

Speaking to the press for the first time since the weekend’s game, Klopp said: “Not as a manager of Liverpool, more as a football person, the only outcome should be a replay.” This is a genuinely unprecedented situation in the history of English football, with a goal that everyone – and most crucially the officials – agreed had been scored simply not counting to the scoreline.

Klopp’s frustration is rooted in the fact that this is akin to a scoreboard failure somehow affecting the end result. He does not expect a replay to happen, which will be a relief to the Premier League given their likely resistance to such a push. However, it will be fascinating to see what comes next, particularly given Klopp’s refusal to clarify Liverpool’s planned next steps.

What Led to the VAR Fiasco?

The match officials’ audio painted a perfect picture of the chaos that had led to such a catastrophic error. The PGMOL had followed this up with a commitment to improve communication protocols, but it was thought that the matter could be coming to a close.

However, Klopp’s response has thrown a spanner in the works and left everyone wondering what will happen next. According to those close to the manager, the strength of his response was not entirely unexpected, but there was no grand plan for the manager to lead a major change of tack from the club as a whole.

What Could Happen Next?

There is no process for Liverpool to follow were they to choose to lodge a firm protest with the powers that be. Unlike in the case of Curtis Jones’ dismissal at Tottenham, the Reds cannot appeal to the FA or Premier League for an overturn of an entire game.

The only consensus among journalists present at Anfield was excitement over the fact that a story that has kept on giving since it first broke on Saturday is set to rumble on for a little while yet.

Conclusion

Jurgen Klopp’s call for a replay of Tottenham vs. Liverpool has thrown a spanner in the works and left everyone wondering what will happen next. There is no process for Liverpool to follow were they to choose to lodge a firm protest with the powers that be. The only consensus among journalists present at Anfield was excitement over the fact that a story that has kept on giving since it first broke on Saturday is set to rumble on for a little while yet.