The Football Association have confirmed that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been given a two-game touchline ban and a £75,000 fine for comments made about referee Paul Tierney after April’s 4-3 victory over Tottenham.
Klopp had a heated altercation with the official during the match, after which he accused Tierney of saying something which was ‘not okay’. Audio of the interaction was later reviewed and allegations of improper conduct from the referee were ‘strongly refuted’.
Klopp went on to accuse Tierney of having a personal issue with Liverpool, insisting the Reds ‘have history’ with the official.
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An investigation was quickly opened by the FA, who have now handed down a two-game suspension to Klopp.
“Jurgen Klopp has been suspended from the touchline for two matches and fined £75,000 following media comments that he made after Liverpool’s Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 30 April 2023,” a statement read.
“The first match of the manager’s touchline ban is effective immediately and the second is suspended until the end of the 2023/24 season on the condition that he does not commit any further breaches of FA Rule E3 in the meantime.
“Jurgen Klopp admitted that his comments regarding the match referee during post-match media interviews constitute improper conduct as they imply bias, question the integrity of the referee, are personal, offensive, and bring the game into disrepute.”
The ruling means Klopp will be banned from the touchline for Liverpool’s final home game of the season against Aston Villa on Saturday.
As the second game of the ban is suspended, Klopp will be permitted to lead the team in the season finale against Southampton.
