Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp facing another touchline ban, with audio of ref interaction a ‘SMOKING GUN’

Jurgen Klopp is facing his second touchline ban of the season and refereeing chiefs are willing to share the audio recording of his conversation with Paul Tierney – the referee he accused of being biased against Liverpool – with the FA.

Reds boss Klopp’s behavior came into the spotlight after he celebrated Liverpool’s late winner in Sunday’s 4-3 win against Tottenham by charging at fourth official John Brooks – stretching a hamstring – before claiming that Tierney said something inappropriate when he was warned.

Refereeing organisation, the PGMOL, whose officials wear microphones, listened back to the audio and disputed Klopp’s claims, saying Tierney “acted in a professional manner throughout”.

They are ready to send that audio to the FA, who are investigating the incident, along with his overzealous celebration and post-match comments. They awaited the referee’s report on Monday before announcing formal charges.

An insider described the audio as a “smoking gun” purging Tierney, and the conversation is likely to be made public at the end of a disciplinary case as the FA releases written reasons with the outcome.

The Reds boss accused referee Paul Tierney (right) of being biased against his side and insisted he made ‘unacceptable’ comments to him – something PGMOL has disputed

Refereeing chiefs are willing to share the recording of their interaction with the FA, with audio labeled a ‘smoking gun’ by an insider making clear to Tierney and likely to be made public

Klopp, 55, has become a repeat offender, ignoring previous warnings about his behavior from the FA. The German has already served a one-match ban this season for berating assistant referee Gary Beswick during Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Manchester City in October, and has also been fined £30,000.

This isn’t the first time he’s been in trouble for accusing a referee of bias either, having been fined £45,000 in February 2019 for saying Kevin Friend gave every 50-50 for West Ham against Liverpool after he realized he erroneously left Sadio Mane’s opener standing. in a 1-1 draw.

Tierney arguably helped Liverpool on Sunday by not sending off eventual game winner Diogo Jota over his high foot on Oliver Skipp, but Klopp feels they have a history.

In December 2021, Tierney failed to send off Harry Kane during a 2–2 draw at Tottenham, but did sack Andy Robertson.

Last month, Tierney was also the man in the middle when assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis was accused of elbowing Robertson in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal.

Despite Klopp’s complaints, refereeing chiefs will not shy away from assigning Tierney to future Liverpool fixtures, with a source saying Premier League managers should not influence the allocation list.

In a statement on Monday, charity Ref Support UK took aim at the League Managers Association for their silence, saying: “The behavior of some managers on the touchline is disgraceful and has been for decades, but the LMA seems to say nothing and to doing. to take care of the problem.

“They never publicly condemn such behavior. It is therefore reasonable to ask, why does the LMA exist? Where are their public statements about unacceptable behavior from their members? Their silence is shameless and gives the impression that they approve of such behavior.’