Following his enraged tirade at referee Paul Tierney, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been charged by the Football Association with improper conduct.
As a result of his criticism of Tierney after the dramatic conclusion of Liverpool's 4-3 victory against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday, Klopp got into difficulty with the law.
The German ran down the touchline to celebrate enthusiastically in front of fourth official John Brooks following Diogo Jota's injury-time victory, which Liverpool needed after blowing a three-goal lead.
Klopp was detained, but he subsequently said that Tierney's comments to him were “not OK,” stating he was unaware of the official's “against us” motivation.
The 55-year-old claimed that the referee was biased towards Liverpool because of prior encounters, for which he has been charged with misconduct and might get a touchline suspension.
They “implicate bias, question the integrity of the referee, are personal or offensive, and/or bring disrepute to the game,” according to the FA's statement.
Klopp, who has until Friday to reply, remarked, “I probably have to expect the punishment,” before being informed of the accusation.
“I believe the referees believe I questioned the integrity (of their colleague), yet at that moment, all I did was express my emotions, contrary to what I would say if I were calm and sitting here.
“I'm certain he isn't doing it on purpose, but I can't deny our relationship has a history.
“Of course they weren't done on purpose, but they're still there, and it's just a sensation.
“I know what I said really riled up the officials, so go for it,” I said. I was caught lying.
“I accomplished a lot that day, but I didn't lie. Although there were a few things I should not have said, lying was not one of them.
