Hammer Klopp - for what he did - not what he said

So Jurgen Klopp lied? Is that what we’re saying? He must’ve done if we’re to believe the PGMOL’s statement today. (Monday May 1) 

Tue statement is in response to what Klopp said an about the ref after the game v Spurs ‘what he (Tierney) said to me when he gave me the yellow card. That’s not possible. But it’s not ok as well’.   

The meat of the PGMOL’s statement reads ‘ 'PGMOL is aware of the comments made by Jurgen Klopp after his side's fixture with Tottenham Hotspur. Match officials in the Premier League are recorded in all games via a communications system and having fully reviewed the audio of referee Paul Tierney from today's fixture, we can confirm he acted in a professional manner throughout, including when issuing the caution to the Liverpool manager so, therefore, we strongly refute any suggestion that Tierney's actions were improper.'

So Klopp lied? If we believe the PGMOL he must’ve done. The simple way to sort this out is for the PGMOL to release the audio. Let us hear the conversation between Klopp and Tierney. Why not? 

I read today (Monday) that the FA are likely to charge Klopp for what he said about Tierney to the host broadcaster after the game. Unless it’s proven he lied I’m not so bothered about that - but I am about the way he behaved after Liverpool’s winner. The manner in which he approached the 4th official John Brooks was a disgrace. He’s got form form that kind of thing as well - never mind that he pulled a hamstring in doing so and he argues that retribution was swift - it wasn’t. The FA should throw the book at him for his appalling, aggressive antics.

Please - don’t talk to me about ‘passion’ and ‘wanting to win’.  Every coach wants to win. Every coach has ‘passion’ - they just don’t behave like a drunken parent, on the touchline, watching their son/daughter in a Sunday League match. How many times have I mentioned Arteta’s behaviour this season? Guardiola can be as bad. Where are we heading with these touchline tantrums? Do you ever see Carlo Ancelotti behave like these guys do? Of course not. Do we think that he doesn’t ‘want to win‘ games? That he doesn’t have ‘passion’? There’s no excuse for it.  

Has Klopp learned nothing from his brushes with the law down the years? Doesn’t he realise millions are watching when he kicks off like that and it’s the worst of all examples he could set? 

He was wrong to behave as he did. Wrong to say what he did - if the PGMOL are to be believed - and wrong to criticise Tierney in general. I’m happy to do that. Tierney should’ve sent him to the stands. And he should’ve sent Diogo Jota off when he all but decapitated Oliver Skipp. The matchday centre told us the challenge was ‘reckless’. Agreed. And it was dangerous - and it clearly endangered the well being of an opponent. If Jota had gone then obviously he wouldn’t have been able to score the winner - so Tierney didn’t ‘punish’ Liverpool - he actually let them off lightly. Klopp should’ve thanked him.  

I don’t dislike Klopp. And I have nothing but admiration for Liverpool as a club. I’ve said that often enough, but recent events at Anfield need addressing. Andy Robertson was caught up in a similar storm v City. His allegations were proven to be unfounded - thank goodness. They could easily have cost a decent guy (Constantine Hatzidakis) his job. And let’s not forget two FA charges for failing to control players. Arsenal and Man City have paid hefty fines for similar offences - hold on - there’s a theme here.  

It’s got to stop - and the coaches have got to do better. As I’ve said - I hope the FA throw the book at Klopp - not for what he said, but for how he behaved. And touchline bans don’t work - stadium bans do.  

Brilliant again Newcastle. Eddie Howe won’t win MOY - but he should. The job he’s done is nothing short of incredible. I wasn’t sure about his appointment - but he’s proved me wrong - and I’m delighted to admit it.  

And I’m really pleased Bournemouth are safe  I like Gary O’Neil. He’s another one who’s quietly got on with his job and deserves his success. It’s a different success to Howe’s, but it’s every bit as important.  

Have you seen the top of the Championship? It’s scary - but don’t worry - I’m not celebrating anything just yet. But what a day at the CBS Arena. What a crowd. Being a Coventry fan hasn’t been easy for a decade, so fill your boots guys. Like Howe and O’Neil, Mark Robins is another understated, calm presence on the touchline. All three men have ‘passion’. All three ‘want to win’. Are you watching Jurgen Klopp?