“Klopp’s Two-Match Touchline Ban Imposes by English Referee Rant?!?”

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has landed himself in deep trouble with the authorities, as he has been given a two-match touchline ban after a fiery fixture against Tottenham Hotspur in April. The German celebrated Diogo Jota’s stoppage-time winner wildly in front of fourth official John Brooks, after Liverpool almost blew a three-goal lead. Klopp had been booked, but he protested that what referee Paul Tierney said to him was “not OK,” claiming he did not know what the official “has against us.” As punishment, the Football Association has fined Klopp £75,000 and said the first game of the ban would be served immediately, with Liverpool facing Aston Villa on Saturday. The second game would be suspended pending the manager’s future conduct.

Klopp’s comments regarding Tierney in post-match media interviews “constitute improper conduct as they imply bias, question the integrity of the referee, are personal, offensive, and bring the game into disrepute.” Klopp’s vexation stemmed from how the official awarded Tottenham a foul just before their third goal, involving Mohamed Salah. Klopp noted that “We have our history with Tierney,” and that he didn’t understand how Tierney looked at him. While Klopp admitted his celebration was unnecessary, he emphasized that “what he said to me when he gave me the yellow card is not OK.”