Jurgen Klopp suggested that Premier League referee Paul Tierney “has a problem” with him after his Liverpool side drew 2-2 against Tottenham.
Liverpool went into this game versus Spurs in great form. They had won eight straight games across all competitions since the return from the international break in November.
Klopp’s side were without several players due to Covid-19. Curtis Jones, Fabinho, Thiago and Virgil van Dijk were all out. Jordan Henderson was also unavailable as he has a cold.
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Tottenham made a bright start and Harry Kane opened the scoring inside the first 15 minutes. The striker was lucky to not get sent off shortly after as he dived in on Andy Robertson.
Diogo Jota was unfortunate to not earn his side a penalty in the first half. He equalised before the break though as he was set up by Robertson. The latter got a goal of his own in the second half as he scored from close range.
Their lead only lasted five minutes as Spurs made it 2-2 with around 15 minutes to go. Heung-Min Son capitalised on a mistake from Alisson to score from inside the penalty area.
Robertson was sent off moments later for his rash challenge on Emerson Royal. It finished 2-2 and this result leaves Liverpool three points behind Man City after 18 games.
𝑷𝑼𝑹𝑬 𝑷𝑨𝑺𝑺𝑰𝑶𝑵. pic.twitter.com/Fq59XJgJKy
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 19, 2021
As quoted by BBC Sport, Klopp claimed that “crucial situations” went against his side against Spurs:
“I saw a big fight from my side. The first half was a good game from my team. The second half not exactly as good because we felt intensity of last few weeks and the opponent looked like they had finished warming up. They looked fresher,” Klopp acknowledged.
“Scoring the second great. Conceding not so much.
“There were a lot of other things that were pretty influential to the game but some of these questions it is better to ask Mr Tierney.”
On a potential red card for Harry Kane, Klopp added: “Yes definitely. You can give Robbo a red card. It is not the smartest challenge 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 [Jota] 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 (Diogo 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 [referee 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.”
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