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Professional Game Match Officials Limited have refuted claims by Jurgen Klopp that referee Paul Tierney acted improperly during Liverpool’s win against Spurs.
Klopp received a yellow card from Tierney for his passionate celebrations in front of fourth official John Brooks after Diogo Jota’s recovery winner in thriller 4-3 at Anfield. This goal was scored just 99 seconds after Richarlison had brought Tottenham level.
THE Liverpool the coach pulled his hamstring in the process. During his post-match interview, he heavily criticized Tierney and accused the referee of speaking to him in a way that «didn’t feel right.»
But PGMOL said in a statement: “PGMOL is aware of the comments made by Jurgen Klopp after his team’s match with Tottenham Hotspur.
“Match referees in the Premier League are recorded at all matches via a communication system and having fully reviewed referee Paul Tierney’s audio from today’s match, we can confirm that he acted professionally throughout, even when he issued the warning to the Liverpool manager, so we therefore strongly refute any suggestions that Tierney’s actions were improper.
Klopp faces heavy censorship from the Football Association for his comments and pitchside behavior.
The German escaped a touchline suspension in October and was instead fined £30,000 by an independent board following his sending off for confronting referee Anthony Taylor during Liverpool’s match against Manchester City at Anfield.
After Liverpool snatched victory against Tottenham, Klopp told Sky Sports: «We have our history with Tierney, I don’t really know what he has against us, he said there’s no problem but that can’t be true.
“How he looks at me, I don’t understand. My celebration wasn’t necessary, which is right, but what he said to me when she gave me the yellow card is not good.»
READ MORE: Richarlison Schadenfreude and Klopp’s hamstring were perfect end to Liverpool-Spurs chaos
When asked what Tierney had said, Klopp added: “I won’t say anything about it. Referees don’t say what’s said, so I don’t say what’s said.»
Klopp has reignited his long-running feud with Tierney and referenced last season’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham in London.
Klopp said: “Paul Tierney didn’t give Harry Kane a red card, but Robbo (Andy Robertson) did get a red card. It wasn’t the first time, there are many things”.
On his celebration in front of the fourth official, Klopp added: “Of course, we are excited in these moments. It’s difficult. It’s not good, we shouldn’t do this. Yes, we are models, but first of all we are human beings.
“I didn’t say a bad word to the fourth official – not at all – but I probably pulled my hamstring at the time so, fair enough, I’ve already been punished.
“A just punishment for bad behavior. I have pain for a few days, Mr. Tierney does not.
READ MORE: Liverpool’s top scorers against Big Six: Jota reaches double figures after stunning Spurs game
