Revealed: The Unfiltered Exchange Between Referee Paul Tierney and Jurgen Klopp on the Touchline

In a stunning revelation, the Football Association (FA) has finally disclosed the contents of the conversation that took place between Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and referee Paul Tierney on the touchline. The disclosure comes in the wake of Klopp’s two-game ban, one of which is suspended until next season, along with a hefty £75,000 fine. These penalties were imposed following Klopp’s post-match comments, which were deemed to imply bias, question the integrity of the referee, and bring the game into disrepute.

The incident in question unfolded during Liverpool’s exhilarating 4-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, culminating in a last-gasp winner by Diogo Jota. Following the goal, Klopp celebrated passionately in front of fourth official John Brooks and was subsequently booked for his actions. Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Klopp alleged that the referee had made an “unacceptable” remark to him, stating, “What the referee said to me when he gave me the yellow card is not okay.”

The Independent Regulatory Commission, having found Klopp guilty of breaching FA Rule E3 and admitting improper conduct, has now released the transcript of the contentious conversation. According to the report obtained by the Liverpool Echo, the conversation unfolded as follows:

“Mr. Brooks contacted Mr. Tierney and said, ‘Jurgen Klopp has just run and celebrated in my face. I think it’s a yellow card mate, minimum.'”

It becomes evident from the transcript that Brooks perceived Klopp’s behavior as excessive celebration rather than an aggressive or threatening act. In response, Tierney, who had not witnessed the incident, sought guidance on whether a yellow or red card should be issued.

“The Video Assistant Referee reviewed the video footage and advised, ‘Confirming yellow card. Confirming yellow card Jurgen Klopp.'”

Armed with this confirmation, Tierney approached Klopp and showed him a yellow card, uttering the words, “Right… I have to show you yellow. … It could be red, but I am going to show you yellow. He said yellow. We will give you the benefit of the doubt, don’t do anything more.”

The video footage clearly captures Klopp’s frustrated reaction to the decision.

This recent incident is not the first time Klopp has clashed with Tierney. In the same controversial interview, Klopp accused the referee of having a personal issue with him and his team.

As a result of the imposed ban, Klopp will be absent from the touchline for Liverpool’s upcoming clash against Aston Villa, with assistant manager Pep Lijnders assuming managerial duties. The second match suspension will only be enforced if Klopp commits further breaches during the remainder of the season.

The FA’s release of the uncensored conversation sheds light on the events that unfolded between Klopp and Tierney, exposing the tensions that exist within the world of football officiating and adding a new chapter to the ongoing saga between the Liverpool manager and the referee.