Klopp Banned by Aston Villa After Tierney Comments

Jurgen Klopp has been handed a two-game ban and a £75,000 fine by the FA following his actions in Liverpool’s win over Tottenham in April. The first match of his ban is “effective immediately,” meaning he will be forced to watch Saturday’s final home game from the stands. The second match of his ban is suspended until the end of 2023/24 on the condition he does not commit further breaches. Klopp had accused referee Paul Tierney of saying something “not OK” after being shown a yellow card for celebrating Diogo Jota’s goal in the face of fourth official John Brooks. His comments were quickly refuted by PGMOL, the refereeing body, and the FA launched an investigation into Klopp’s post-match allegations that ‘implied bias’. Klopp will be able to come onto the pitch after the final whistle, though, ready to help say farewell to four of his players and thank the home faithful after the final game at Anfield this season. This is the second time this season that Klopp has been forced to watch from the stands due to a suspension, having been barred from the touchline in the win over Southampton in November for angrily getting in the face of linesman Gary Beswick. On both occasions, Klopp admitted his actions were “unnecessary” and he was expecting a punishment.